r 


i THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY,! 

I  Princeton,  N.  J.  | 

f  f 

^  From  the  PUBLISHER.  ^ 

BV  4531  .A23  1848 
Waterbury,  J.  B.  1799-1876. 
Advice  to  a  young  Christian 
on  the  importance  of  aimin 


m..0^ 


/^:f^' 


ADVICE 


TO 

A   YOUNG  CHRISTIAN, 

ON    THE 

IMPORTANCE  OF  AIMING 

AT 

AN  ELEVATED  STANDARD  OF  PIETY. 


BY  A  VILLAGE  PASTOR, 
WITH  *^ 

AN  INTRODUCTORY  ESSAY, 

BY   THE    REV.    DR.    ALEXANDER,    OF    PRINCETON,    N.   J, 


"  Feed  my  Lambs." 


NEW    YORK: 

ROBERT  CARTER,  58  CANAL   STREET, 

1848. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1843,  by 

JOHN  S.  TAYLOR, 

la  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the 

Southern  District  of  New  York. 


PREPACK 


To  the  Lambs  of  Christ's  flock,  whom  Peter 
was  enjoined  by  the  Good  Shepherd  to  feed, 
I  dedicate  this  little  book.  The  letters  which 
compose  it,  were  written  to  instruct  one  of 
their  number,  the  daughter  of  an  highly  valued 
friend.  Since  they  are  now  made  public,  it  is 
the  ardent  prayer  of  the  Author,  that  they  may 
comfort  and  edify  many  more. 

As  revivals  of  Religion  have  become  so  fre 
quent,  and  have  embraced  in  their  sanctifying 
influence,  so  many  youth  of  both  sexes  :  these 
letters  are  given  to  the  public,  with  the  hope, 
that  under  God,  they  may  stimulate  such  youth 
to  activity  in  the  cause  of  Christ ;  and  awaken 
a  desire  for  those  exalted  spiritual  attainments, 
which  it  is  their  object  to  recommend. 

The  age  in  which  we  live,  demands  a  high 


iV  PREFACE. 

standard    jf  Christian  character.     Any  thing 
which  contributes  to  elevate  it,  must  be  useful. 

In  presenting  this  little  volume,  the  Author 
has  no  apologies  to  offer.  Not  that  he  suppo- 
ses it  free  from  defects,  or  impervious  to  the 
shafts  of  criticism ;  but  because,  if  it  is  calcu- 
lated to  be  useful,  apologies  are  unnecessary ;  if 
it  is  not,  none,  however  laboured  or  eloquent 
can  atone  for  so  grand  and  radical  a  defect. 


ESSAY 

ON  TIIE  NATURE  OF  VITAL  PIETY ;— ITS  SAMENESS  IN 
ALL  AGES  AND  COUNTRIES— AND  ITS  VARIOUS  ASPECTS 
IN  DIFFERENT  CIRCUMSTANCES. 

True  religion  not  only  enlightens  the  under- 
standing, but  rectifies  the  affections  of  the  heart. 
All  genuine  feelings  of  piety  are  the  effects  of 
divine  truth.  The  variety  and  intensity  of 
these  feelings  depend  on  the  different  kinds  of 
truth,  and  the  various  aspects  in  which  the  same 
truth  is  viewed ;  and  also,  on  the  distinctness 
and  clearness  with  which  it  is  presented  to  the 
mind.  In  a  state  of  moral  perfection,  truth 
would  rmiformly  produce  all  those  emotions 
and  affections  which  correspond  with  its  na- 
ture, without  the  aid  of  any  superadded  influ- 
ence. That  these  effects  are  not  ex["erienced, 
by  all  who  have  the  opportunity  of  knowing 
the  truth,  is  a  strong  evidence  of  human  de- 
pravity. In  a  state  of  moral  depravity,  the 
mind  is  incapable  alike,  of  perceiving  and  feel- 
ing the  beauty  and  excellence  of  di  vine  truth. 
The  dead  neither  see  nor  feel,  and  man  is  by 
nature  "  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins."     Hence 


the  necessity  of  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  illuminate  and  regenerate  the  mind.  The 
nature  of  divine  agency,  in  every  case,  is  in- 
scrutable by  mortals.  "  The  wind  bloweth 
where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest  the  sound 
thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh, 
or  whither  it  goeth  :  so  is  every  one  that  is 
born  of  the  Spirit."  We  know,  however,  that 
the  work  of  the  Spirit,  in  the  regeneration  of 
the  heart,  is  adapted  to  the  rational  nature  of 
man.  The  thing  to  be  accomplished  is  not  the 
creation  of  some  new  facility ;  it  is  a  moral  re- 
novation ;  and  all  moral  changes  must  be  ef- 
fected by  understanding  and  choice.  To  put 
the  soul,  therefore,  in  that  state  in  which  it  will 
rightly  understand  the  truth,  and  cordially 
choose  the  highest  good,  is  the  end  of  regene- 
ration. Truth,  therefore,  must  be  the  means 
by  which  actual  conversion  to  God  takes  place. 
"  Being  born  again,  not  of  corruptible  seed, 
but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  God,  which 
live-th  and  abideth  for  ever."  "  Of  his  own 
will  begat  he  us  with  the  word  of  truth." 
"  Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth,  thy  word  ia 
truth."  Although  piety  in  the  heart  is  the  ef- 
fect of  a  divine  operation,  yet  all  its  exercises 
take  place  agreeably  to  the  common  laws  of 


*  INTRODUCTORY   ESSAY.  7 

our  rational  nature.  The  understanding  is  en- 
lightened, the  judgment  is  convinced,  motives 
operate  on  the  will,  and  conscience  approves 
or  disapproves.  That  the  soul,  in  the  exercises 
of  piety,  is  under  the  renovating  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  is  not  known  by  any  con- 
sciousness which  it  has  of  these  divine  opera- 
tions, but  by  the  eflTects  produced  in  a  change 
of  views  and  feelings;  and  this  change  is  ascri- 
bed to  Ggd,  because  no  other  is  able  to  produce 
it :  and  his  word  assures  us  that  he  is  its  author. 
Now,  as  all  men  are  endowed  with  the  same 
natural  susceptibilities,  and  as  all  Christians  con- 
template the  same  fundamental  truths,  the  work 
of  grace  in  the  hearts  of  all,  must  be  substan- 
tially the  same.  All  have,  by  the  knowledge 
of  the  law,  been  convinced  of  sin ;  have  been 
made  to  feel  sorrow,  shame,  and  compunction, 
upon  the  recollection  of  their  transgressions ; 
and  to  submit  to  the  justice  of  the  sentence  of 
condemnation,  which  the  law  denounces  against 
them.  All  have  been  made  sensible  of  their 
own  inability  to  save  themselves,  and  under  the 
influence  of  these  humbling  and  penitent  feel- 
ings, have  been  led  to  seek  refuge  in  Jesus 
Christ,  as  the  only  hope  of  their  souls.  This 
plan  of  salvation  appears  glorious  and  suitable 


B  DR. 

to  all  believers ;  so  that  they  not  only  acqui 
esce  in  it,  as  th  i  only  method  of  salvation,  but 
they  are  so  well  pleased  with  it,  that  they  would 
not  have  another  if  they  could.  And,  in  the 
acceptance  of  Christ  as  a  complete  Saviour, 
there  is,  in  every  case,  some  experience  of  joy 
and  peace.  Connected  with  the  views  which 
the  true  believer  has  of  Christ  as  a  Saviour, 
there  is  also  a  discovery,  more  or  less  clear,  of 
the  glory  of  the  divine  attributes,  especially  of 
those  whichi  are  most  conspicuously  manifest- 
ed in  the  cross  of  Christ.  Holiness,  justice, 
mercy,  and  truth,  shine,  in  the  view  of  the  sin- 
cere convert,  with  a  lustre  surpassing  all  other 
excellence  ;  and  God  is  venerated  and  loved  for 
his  own  intrinsic  excellence,  as  well  as  for 
the  rich  benefits  bestowed  upon  us.  But,  al- 
though these  views  may  be  distinguished,  yet 
in  experience,  they  are  not  separated.  The 
brightest  discovery  of  divine  excellence  ever 
made,  is  God's  love  io  our  miserable  race. 
The  law  of  God  is  also  viewed  to  be  holy,  just, 
and  good,  by  every  regenerated  soul.  The  un- 
renewed heart  never  is,  nor  ever  can  be,  recon- 
ciled to  the  law ;  "  it  is  not  subject  to  it,  nor 
indeed  can  be,"  but  the  "  new  man"  delights 
m  the  law  of  God,  and  would  not  have  one  pre- 


INTRODUCTORY   ESSAY.  y 

cept  of  it  altered ;  and  while  it  coiideiiins  all 
his  feelings  and  works  as  imperfect,  he  ap- 
proves of  it  still,  and  blames  himself  for  his 
want  of  conformity  to  a  rule  so  perfect. 

Another  thing  in  which  the  experience  of  all 
Christians  is  uniform,  is  that  they  all  are 
brought  to  a  deliberate  purpose  to  be  on  the 
Lord's  side.  On  this  point  there  is  no  hesitan- 
cy. Many  are  affected,  and  much  agitated  with 
religious  impressions,  and  yet  never  come  to  a 
full  decision  to  choose  God  and  his  service* 
They  halt  between  two  opinions,  and  have  a  di'^ 
vided  mind.  Such  persons,  however  lively 
their  feelings,  are  not  yet  tndy  converted  :  all 
true  converts,  after  counting  the  cost,  have  set" 
tied  this  point  for  ever.  And  they  can  say 
with  the  Psalmist,  "My  heart  is  fixed,  O  God, 
my  heart  is  fixed."  They  are,  therefore,  pre- 
pared now  to  comply  with  the  terms  of  disci-^ 
pleship  laid  down  by  Christ  himself.  They  are 
willing  to  "deny  themselves,  to  take  up  their 
cross,  and  follow  him  ;  to  forsake  father  and 
mother,  wife  and  children,  houses  and  lands^ 
yea  also  their  own  lives,  for  the  sake  of  Him, 
who  gave  himself  for  them." 

Out  of  such  views  and  feelings  as  have  been 
desciibed,   arises,   an    ardent   hungering  and 


10  Dr.    ALEXANDER'S 

thirsting  after  righteousness,  an  intense  desire 
to  know  more  of  God,  and  to  be  admitted  into 
closer  union  and  more  intimate  communion 
with  him.  These  habitual  desires  of  the  re- 
newed soul,  find  their  proper  expression  in 
prayer,  and  lead  to  a  patient  and  earnest  wai-t- 
ing  Upon  God  in  all  the  ordinances  and  means 
of  his  appointment.  True  piety,  however,  does 
not  stop  in  mere  desires,  or  in  attendance  on 
religious  duties  ;  it  seeks  to  glorify  God  by  ac- 
tion. The  earnest  inquiry  of  every  soul,  in- 
spired with  the  love  of  God,  is,  "  Lord,  what 
wouldst  thou  have  me  to  do  ?"  And  wherever 
there  is  piety  towards  God,  there  will  exist  be- 
nevolence towards  men.  One  of  the  most  sen- 
sible emotions  of  the  young  convert,  is,  "  good- 
will to  men ;"  a  sincere  desire  of  the  welfkre 
and  eternal  salvaiion  of  all,  not  even  excepting 
its  most  inveterate  enemies.  And  towards  the 
children  of  God,  there  springs  up  a  strong  and 
tender  affection.  Such  seem  to  be  brethren 
indeed,  because  they  are  the  brethren  of  Christ, 
and  bear  something  of  his  image,  in  the  humi- 
lity, meekness,  and  benevolence  of  their  cha- 
racter. In  short,  genuine  piety  disposes  and 
determines  all  who  are  its  subjects,  to  obey  and 
respect  all  the  commandments  of  God,  and  to 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  11 

hate  and  avoid  all  sin,  according  to  that  decla- 
ration of  David,  "I  esteem  all  thy  precepts 
concerning  all  things  to  be  right,  and  hate  eve- 
ry false  way." 

In  all  the  above-mentioned  essential  charac- 
teristics of  piety,  there  is  a  perfect  sameness, 
in  the  exercises  of  all  true  Christians.  The 
same  impression  has  been  made  on  every  re- 
newed heart,  and  the  only  difference  is,  that  it 
is  imprinted  more  deeply  on  some,  than  others; 
but  still,  the  characters  are  identical ;  and, 
therefore,  the  evidences  of  a  work  of  grace, 
contained  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  are  equally 
applicable  to  all  persons  who  have  been  brought 
from  darkness  to  light.  There  often  is,  more- 
over, a  striking  resemblance  in  those  accompa- 
nying exercises  and  circumstances,  which  are 
not  essential.  Awakened  sinners  are  liable  to 
the  same  erroneous  conceptions,  and  usually 
fall  into  the  same  mistakes.  They  are  all  prone 
to  think,  that  by  reforming  their  lives  they  can 
restore  themselves  to  the  favour  of  God.  They 
commonly  apply  to  the  works  of  the  law  for 
relief,  in  the  first  instance ;  and  when  driven 
from  this  false  refuge,  by  a  clearer  view  of  the 
spirituality  and  extent  of  the  law,  and  the  depth 
of  their  own  depravity,  they  are  apt  to  give  up 


13 

all  for  lost,  and  seriously  to  conclude  that  there 
is  no  hope  in  their  case.  They  are  all  prone 
to  misapprehend  the  nature  of  the  gospel :  of 
its  freeness  they  can  at  first  form  no  concep- 
tion ;  and,  therefore,  they  think  it  necessary  to 
come  with  some  price  in  their  hands — to  ob- 
tain some  kind  of  preparation  or  fitness,  before 
they  venture  to  come  to  Christ.  And  when  it 
is  clear  that  no  moral  fitness  can  be  obtained, 
until  they  apply  to  him,  this  legal  spirit  will 
lead  the  soul  under  conviction  to  think,  that 
very  deep  and  pungent  distress  will  recommend 
it  to  Christ;  and  thus  many  are  found  seeking 
and  praying  for  a  more  deep  and  alarming  im- 
pression of  their  sin  and  danger.  It  is  also 
very  common  to  place  undue  dependence  on 
particular  means ;  especially  on  such  as  have 
been  much  blessed  to  others.  Anxious  souls 
are  prone  to  think,  that  in  reading  some  parti- 
cular book,  or  in  hearing  some  successful 
preacher,  they  will  receive  the  grace  of  God 
which  bringeth  salvation ;  in  which  expectation 
they  are  always  disappointed,  and  are  brought 
at  last  to  feel  that  they  are  entirely  dependent 
on  sovereign  grace ;  and  that  they  can  do  no- 
thing to  obtain  that  grace.  Before,  they  were 
like  a  drowning  man  catching  at  every  thing 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  IS 

which  seemed  to  promise  support ;  but  now* 
they  are  like  a  man  who  feels  that  he  has  no 
support,  but  is  actually  sinking.  Their  cry, 
therefore,  is  now  truly  a  cry  for  mercy,  "  God 
be  merciful  unto  me  a  sinner  !'*  "  Lord  save, 
I  perish  !"  And  it  has  often  been  proverbially 
said,  "  Man's  extremity  is  God's  opportunity," 
which  is  commonly  realized  by  the  soul  cut  off 
from  all  dependence  on  itself — the  arm  of  the 
Lord  is  stretched  forth  to  preserve  it  from  sink- 
ing ;  the  Saviour's  voice  of  love  and  mercy  is 
heard ;  light  breaks  in  upon  the  soul,  and  it 
finds  itself  embraced  in  the  arms  of  the  Sa- 
viour ;  and  so  wonderful  is  the  transition,  that 
it  can  scarcely  trust  to  its  own  experience. 

This  similarity  of  feelings  in  the  experience 
of  the  pious  has  often  been  remarked,  and  has 
been  justly  considered  a  strong  evidence  of  the 
divine  origin  of  experimental  religion:  for  how, 
otherwise,  can  this  uniformity  of  the  views  and 
feelings  of  the  pious,  in  all  ages  and  countries, 
be  accounted  for  ?  Enthusiasm  assumes  a  thou- 
sand different  shapes  and  hues,  and  is  marked 
by  no  uniform  characteristics;  but  scriptural 
piety  is  the  same  now,  as  in  the  days  of  David 
and  Asaph ;  the  same,  as  when  Paul  lived ;  the 
same,  as  experienced  by  the  pious  fathers  of 
2 


14  DR.    iLiiXANDER'S 

the  Christian  church ;  the  same,  as  described  by 
the  Reformers,  by  the  PuritanSj  and  by  the 
evangelical  preachers  and  writers  of  the  present 
day.  When  tlie  gospel  takes  effect  on  any 
of  the  heathen,  although  it  is  certain  that  they 
never  had  the  opportunity  of  learning  any 
thing  of  this  kind  from  others,  yet  we  find 
them  expressing  the  same  feelings  which  are 
common  to  other  Christians.  Persons  from  dif- 
ferent quarters  of  the  globe,  whose  Vernacular 
tongue  is  entirely  different,  yet  speak  the  same 
language  in  religion.  Members  of  churches, 
which  hold  no  communion  ;  and  which, 
perhaps,  view  each  other,  when  at  a  distance, 
as  heretics,  often,  when  brought  together,  re- 
cognize in  one  another  dear  brethren,  who  are 
of  one  mind  in  their  religious  experience. 

The  late  eminently  pious  and  learned  theo- 
logian, the  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston,  related  to  me, 
not  many  years  before  his  decease,  a  pleasant 
anecdote,  which  will  serve  to  illustrate  the 
point  under  consideration ;  and  which  I  com* 
municate  to  the  public  the  more  willingly,  be- 
cause I  do  not  know  that  he  has  left  any  record 
of  it  behind  him.  While  a  student  at  the  uni- 
versity of  Utrecht,  a  number  of  pious  persons, 
from  the  town  and  from  among  the  students^ 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  15 

were  accustomed  to  meet  for  free  conversation 
on  experimental  religion,  and  for  prayer  and 
praise,  in  a  social  capacity.  On  one  of  these 
occasions,  when  the  similarity  of  the  exercises 
of  the  pious,  in  all  countries  and  ages,  was  the 
subject  of  conversation,  it  was  remarked  by 
one  of  the  company,  that  there  was  then  pre- 
sent a  representative  from  each  of  the  four 
quarters  of  the  world.  These  were  Dr.  Living- 
ston from  America,  a  young  man  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  Africa,  another  student 
from  one  of  the  Dutch  possessions  in  the  East 
Indies,  and  many  natives  of  Europe  of  course. 
It  was  therefore  proposed,  that  at  the  next 
meeting,  the  three  young  gentlemen  first  re- 
ferred to,  together  with  an  eminently  pious 
young  nobleman  of  Holland,  should  each  give 
a  particular  narrative  of  the  rise  and  progress 
of  the  work  of  grace  in  his  own  soul.  The 
proposal  was. universally  acceptable;  and  ac- 
cordingly, a  narrative  was  heard  from  a  native 
of  each  of  the  four  quarters  of  the  gloUe — of 
their  views  and  feelings,  of  their  trials  and 
temptations,  &c.  The  result  was  highly  grqi- 
tifying  to  all  present ;  and  I  think  Dr.  Livings 
ston  said,  that  it  was  generally  admitted  by 
those  present,  that  they  had  never  before  wit' 


16  DR.  Alexander's 

nessed  so  interesting  a  scene.  And  since  I  ha\  3 
taken  the  liberty  of  mentioning  the  name  of 
that  venerable  and  distinguished  theologian,  I 
beg  leave  to  add,  that  I  have  never  seen  a  man 
who  appeared  to  love  vital  piety  more,  or  to 
understand  its  nature  better. 

But  the  identity  of  religious  feeling  which 
has  been  described  above,  is  consistent  with  a 
great  variety  in  many  of  the  accompanying 
circumstances.  Indeed,  it  seems  probable,  that 
each  individual  Christian  has  something  dis- 
tinctly characteristic  in  his  own  case ;  so  that 
there  exists,  at  least,  as  much  difference  in  the 
peculiar  features  of  the  inner  as  of  the  outward 
man.  The  causes  of  this  diversity  are  mani- 
fold ;  as  first,  the  different  degrees  of  grace  re- 
ceived, in  the  commencement  of  the  divine 
life ;  secondly,  the  extent  to  which  they  have 
respectively  run  in  sin,  and  the  suddenness,  or 
gradual  nature  of  their  change ;  thirdly,  the 
degree  of  religious  knowledge  which  is  possess- 
ed ;  and  finally,  no  small  diversity  arises  from 
the  various  constitutional  temperaments  of  dif- 
ferent persons,  which  must  have  a  powerful  ef- 
fect in  giving  complexion  to  the  exercises  ol 
religion.  To  all  which  may  be  added,  the  man- 
ner in  which  persons  under  religious  impres- 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  17 

sions  are  treated  by  their  spiritual  guides ;  and 
especially  the  manner  in  which  the  gospel  is 
preached  to  them. 

It  has  been  remarked  by  men  of  exact  obser- 
vation, that  particular  revivals  of  religion  are 
often  marked  by  something  peculiar  in  the  ex- 
ercises, and  in  the  spirit  of  those  who  are  the 
subjects  of  them.  In  some  revivals,  convic- 
tions are  more  pungent  and  awful,  or  continued 
for  a  longer  time,  than  in  others ;  and  the  eon- 
verts,  in  some  revivals,  appear  to  acquire  a 
much  deeper  and  more  abiding  impression  of 
the  reality  and  glory  of  divine  things,  and  are 
evidently  more  under  the  constraining  influ- 
ence of  the  love  of  Christ,  than  is  observable  in 
other  cases.  These  are  subjects  which  deserve  a 
careful  investigation ;  and  as  revivals  are  increa- 
sing in  frequency  and  extent  in  our  churches  ; 
and  as  different  modes  of  conducting  them 
are  in  use,  it  is  highly  important,  that  some  man 
of  deep  experience,  and  sober,  impartial  judg- 
ment, should  make  observations  extensively, 
and  communicate  them  to  the  religious  public; 
which  is,  in  many  places,  perplexed  and  dis- 
tracted, with  the  different  methods  of  treatment 
recommended  by  different  persons,  and  differ- 
ent parties.     It  may,  however,  be  laid  down  as 


18  DR.  Alexander's 

a  sound  maxim,  that  in  proportion  as  the  truth 
of  God  is  clearly  brought  to  view,  and  faithful- 
ly applied  to  the  heart  and  conscience,  the  good 
effects  will  be  manifest.  Erroneous  opinions, 
although  mingled  with  the  essential  truths  of 
the  gospel,  will  ever  tend  to  mar  the  work  of 
God.  The  good  produced  on  any  individual, 
or  on  a  society,  must  not  be  judged  of  by  the 
violence  of  the  feelings  excited,  but  by  their 
character.  Men  may  be  consumed  by  a  fiery 
zeal,  and  yet  exhibit  little  of  the  meekness,  hu- 
mility, and  sweet  benevolence  of  Jesus.  Greac 
pretenders  and  high  professors  may  be  proud, 
arrogant,  and  censorious.  When  these  are  the 
effects,  we  may,  without  fear,  declare,  "  that 
they  knoAV  not  what  manner  of  spirit  they  are 
of"  Any  religion,  however  corrupt,  may  have 
its  zealots ;  but  true  Christianity  consists  in  the 
fruits  of  the  Spirit,  which  are  "  love,  joy,  peace, 
long  suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith, 
meekness,  temperance." 

Piety  seems  also  to  assume  an  aspect  some- 
what different,  in  different  ages  and  periods  of 
the  church.  There  is  in  human  nature  a  strong 
tendency  to  run  to  extremes  ;  and  from  one  ex- 
treme, immediately  to  the  opposite.  And  as 
the  imperfections  of  our  nature  mingle  with 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  19 

every  thing  which  we  touch,  so  piety  itself  is 
not  exempt  from  the  influence  of  the  tendency 
above  mentioned.  In  one  age,  or  in  one  reli- 
gious community,  the  leaning  is  to  enthusiasm : 
in  another,  to  superstition.  At  one  time,  reli- 
gion is  made  to  assume  a  severe  and  gloomy 
aspect ;  the  conscience  is  morbidly  scrupulous ; 
things  indifferent  are  viewed  as  sins  ;  and  hu- 
man infirmities  are  magnified  into  crimes.  At 
such  times,  all  cheerfulness  is  proscribed ;  and 
the  Christian  whom  nature  prompts  to  smile, 
feels  a  check  from  the  monitor  within.  This 
alloy  of  genuine  piety  is  also  often  connected 
with  bigotry  and  censoriousness.  Now,  when 
true  religion  is  disfigured  by  such  defects,  it 
appears  befor€  the  world  to  great  disadvantage. 
Men  of  the  world  form  their  opinions  of  the 
nature  of  piety,  from  what  they  observe  in  its 
professors ;  and  from  such  an  exhibition  of  it 
as  we  have  described,  they  often  take  up  preju- 
dices, which  are  never  removed.  There  is, 
however,  an  opposite  extreme,  not  less  dange- 
rous and  injurious  than  this.  When  professors 
of  religion  conform  to  the  world,  so  far  that  no 
clear  distinction  can  be  observed  between  the 
Christian  and  the  worldling.      If  the  former 


20  DR. 

error  drives  men  away  from  religion,  as  a  sour 
and  miserable  thing,  this  leads  them  to  the  opi- 
nion, that  Christians  are  actuated  by  the  same 
principles  as  they  are  ;  and  therefore  they  con- 
clude that  no  great  change  of  their  character 
is  necessary.  It  is  sometimes  alleged  by  pro- 
fessors who  thus  accommodate  themselves  to 
the  fashions  and  amusements  of  the  world,  that 
they  hope  by  this  means  to  render  religion  at- 
tractive, and  thus  gain  over  to  piety  those  who 
neglect  it ;  but  this  is  a  weak  pretext,  for  such 
conformity  always  tends  to  confirm  people  in 
their  carelessness.  When  they  see  professors 
at  the  theatre,  or  figuring  in  the  ball-room, 
their  conclusion  either  is,  that  there  is  no  reali- 
ty in  vital  piety,  or  that  these  professors  act 
inconsistently. 

The  religious  habits  of  some  serious  profes- 
sors of  religion,  are  adapted  to  make  a  very 
unfavourable  impression  on  the  minds  of  sen- 
sible men.  They  assume  a  demure  and  sanc- 
timonious air,  and  speak  in  an  affected  and 
drawling  tone  ;  often  sighing,  and  lifting  up 
t?ieir  eyes,  and  giving  audible  utterance  to  their 
ejaculations.  Now  these  persons  may  be,  and 
I  doubt  not,  often  are,  truly  pious  ;  but  the  im- 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  21 

pression  made  on  most  minds,  by  this  affecta- 
tion of  religious  solemnity,  is,  that  they  are 
hypocrites,  who  aim  at  being  thought  uncom- 
monly devout.  It  appears  to  me,  that  religion 
never  appears  so  lovely,  as  when  she  wears  the 
dress  of  perfect  simplicity.  We  ought  not, 
indeed,  to  be  ashamed  of  our  religion,  before 
the  world ;  but  it  behooves  us  to  be  very  care- 
ful, not  to  give  to  others  an  unfavourable  opi- 
nion of  serious  piety.  The  rule  is,  "  Let  your 
light  6*0  shine  that  others  seeing  your  good 
works  may  glorify  your  Father,  who  is  in  hea- 
ven." "  Let  not  your  good  be  evil  spoken  of." 
But  the  aspect  and  character  of  the  piety  of 
one  age,  may  differ  from  that  of  another,  more 
from  the  peculiar  circumstances  in  which  Chris- 
tians are  placed,  than  from  the  prevalence  of 
erroneous  views  or  incorrect  habits.  In  one 
age,  vital  piety  seeks  retirement,  and  runs  in 
hidden  channels.  At  such  a  time,  the  attention 
of  Christians  is  turned  chiefly  on  themselves. 
Much  time  is  devoted  to  devotional  exercises ; 
often  whole  days.  The  secret  recesses  of  the 
heart  are  explored  with  diligence  and  rigour ; 
in-dwelling  sin  is  detected  in  its  multiform  ap- 
pearances, and  is  mortified  with  invincible  re- 


X»  DR.    ALEXANDER  S 

solution ;  the  various  means  of  personal  growth 
in  grace  are  studied,  and  used  with  persevering 
assiduity ;  and  much  useful  knowledge  of  the 
nature  of  the  spiritual  life  in  the  soul  is  acqui- 
red. But  while  vital  piety  is  thus  carefully 
cultivated,  and  the  attention  is  earnestly  turned 
to  the  exercises  of  the  heart,  there  may  be  very 
little  display  of  active,  enlarged  benevolence  ; 
there  may  be  few  vigorous  efforts  made  to 
meliorate  the  condition  of  the  multitudes  pe- 
rishing in  sin.  Under  the  influence  of  these  de- 
fective views  of  the  nature  of  religion,  many 
pious  persons,  in  the  early  ages  of  Christiani- 
ty, withdrew  entirely  from  the  world,  and  lived 
in  the  wilderness ;  which  mistake  occasioned 
innumerable  evils  to  the  church,  the  effects  of 
which  are  not  yet  obliterated. 

The  spirit  of  piety  among  the  Reformers, 
seems  to  Lave  been  pure  and  vigorous,  but  not 
as  expansive  as  it  might  have  been.  They  seem 
scarcely  to  have  thought  of  the  hundreds  of 
millions  of  heathen  in  the  world ;  and  of  course, 
made  no  efforts  to  extend  the  knowledge  of  sal- 
vation to  them.  Indeed,  they  were  so  much 
occupied  at  home,  in  contending  for  the  faith 
against  the  Romanists,  that  they  had  little  tim@ 


INTRODUCTORY   ESSAY*  23 

left  for  benevolent  enterprises  at  a  distance ; 
but  if  that  zeal  which  was  worse  than  wasted 
in  controversy  with  one  another,  had  been  di- 
rected to  the  conversion  of  the  heathen,  their 
usefulness  would  have  been  far  greater  than  it 
was. 

The  Puritans  also,  although  profoundly  ac- 
quainted with  experimental  religion,  seemed  to 
have  confined  their  attention  too  exclusively  to 
themselves.  Their  ministers  were,  it  is  true, 
silenced,  and  driven  into  corners  and  into  exile, 
by  an  ungrateful  and  tyrannical  government ; 
but  it  seems  wonderful  to  us,  that  when  pre- 
vented from  preaching  the  gospel  to  their  own 
countrymen,  they  did  not  turn  to  the  gentiles. 
But  the  era  of  missions  had  not  yet  arrived, 
and  probably  they  had  but  small  opportunity,  in 
their  persecuted  state,  of  uniting  their  counsels 
or  combining  their  energies  in  schemes  of  dis- 
tant benevolence.  One  thing,  however,  is  now 
manifest,  that  the  providence  of  God  over- 
ruled the  retirement  and  leisure  of  those  godly 
ministers,  who  were  ejected  from  their  charges, 
so  as  to  render  their  labours  more  useful  to  the 
church,  than  if  they  had  been  permitted  to 
spend  their  lives  in  preaching  the  gospel ;  for. 


84  DR.  ALEXANDER  S 

"when  deprived  of  the  Hberty  of  employing 
their  tongues,  they  betook  themselves  to  their 
pens,  and  they  have  left  to  the  church  such  a 
body  of  practical  and  casuistical  theology,  as 
all  ages  before  or  since,  cannot  equal.  I  have 
no  doubt,  that  such  men  as  Owen,  Baxter,  Fla- 
vel,  Bunyan,  Goodwin,  Manton,  Howe,  and 
Bates,  have  effected  much  more  good  by  their 
practical  writings,  than  they  could  possibly 
have  done  by  their  preaching,  supposing  them 
to  have  been  ever  so  successful. 

But  our  lot  is  cast  in  a  different  age,  and  in  a 
different  state  of  the  church.  After  a  long  slum- 
ber, the  attention  of  Christians  has  been  arous- 
ed to  consider  the  perishing  condition  of  the 
heathen.  We  live  in  a  period  when  great  de- 
signs are  entertained,  and  plans  formed  for  the 
conversion  of  the  whole  world, — when  one 
benevolent  enterprise  or  institution  follo^^s  an- 
other in  rapid  succession,  until  the  Christian 
community  begins  to  exhibit  an  entirely  new 
aspect,  from  what  it  did  within  our  own  rem.em- 
brance.  Christians  have  begun  to  feel,  that  by 
a  combination  of  effort,  they  have  power  tc 
accomplish  much.  The  public  attention  is  kep^ 
awpke  by  the  frequent  recurrence  of  miblic 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  3& 

meetings  of  an  interesting  kind,  and  by  that 
more  potent  engine,  the  wide  circulation  of  re- 
ligious PERIODICALS,  by  which,  interesting  in- 
telHgence  is  conveyed  to  almost  every  corner 
of  our  extensive  country.  The  duty  of  Chris- 
tians to  be  active  is  now  inculcated,  in  almost 
every  form ;  tracts  are  multiplied ;  the  scrip- 
tures are  circulated ;  the  young  and  ignorant 
are  instructed,  by  new  methods ;  and  many  are 
found  running  to  and  fro  to  promote  the  pro- 
pagation of  evangelical  truth.  Revivals  of  re- 
ligion also  are  exerting  a  mighty  influence  on 
the  church.  The  number  of  serious  Christians 
i-s  vastly  increased ;  and  many  youth  are  brought 
forward  to  a  course  of  preparation  for  the  gos- 
pel ministry.  A  spirit  of  liberality  also  is  wit- 
nessed, unknown  to  our  fathers  ;  and  the  duty 
of  consecrating  to  the  Lord,  a  reasonable  pro- 
portion of  all  their  increase,  is  beginning  to  be 
extensively  felt  among  serious  Christians.  And 
such  is  the  spirit  of  enterprise,  that  no  under- 
taking appears  too  arduous,  which  has  for  its 
object  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  :  and  such  is  the  favour  of  heaven 
towards  benevolent  enterprises  in  our  day,  that 
scarcely  one  has  failed  of  accomplishing  some 
3 


126  DR.  Alexander's 

good ",  and  although  the  schemes  of  benevo- 
lence  are  so  various  and  so  multiplied,  yet 
there  has  occurred  no  sensible  interference  of 
one  with  another.  As  they  all  aim  at  the  same 
object,  so  they  are  all  viewed  as  parts  of  the 
same  great  system  of  operations.  Now,  in  all 
these  favourable  appearances  and  benevolent 
exertions,  every  pious  heart  must  and  will 
rejoice. 

But  is  there  no  danger,  that  many  who  feel 
interested  in  the  operations  of  the  day,  and 
contribute  to  their  advancement,  should'be  mis* 
taken  as  to  their  true  spiritual  condition?  When 
a  powerful  current  takes  a  set,  many  will  be 
carried  along  with  it,  which  ever  way  it  may 
run.  And  is  there  no  danger  that  Christians 
themselves,  while  they  seem  to  flourish  in  ex- 
ternal profession,  zeal  and  activity,  may  be  de- 
caying at  the  root,  for  want  of  sufllcient  atten- 
tion to  their  own  hearts,  and  to  the  duties  of 
the  closet  ?  There  is  indee  Jl  much  reason  to  fear 
that  many  professors  now  exist,  who  confine 
their  religion  too  much  to  those  external  acts, 
which  may  be  performed  from  motives  no 
higher  than  those  which  operate  on  unrenewed 
men.     The  danger  now  is,  that  the  religion  of 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  27 

thfc  heart  will  be  neglected,  and  that  many  will 
feel  well  satisfied  with  themselves,  on  account 
of  (heir  activity  and  zeal,  who  are  yet  stran- 
ger«  to  a  work  of  grace.  This  being  the  point 
on  which  Christians  of  the  present  day  are  lia- 
ble to  err,  it  is  a  matter  of  congratulation,  that 
some  writers  seem  disposed  to  turn  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Christiafi  public,  to  the  importance 
Df  diligence  and  punctuality  in  performing  the 
duties  of  the  closet.  The  following  letters  are 
well  calculated  to  produce  this  effect.  They 
were  forwarded  to  me  by  an  esteemed  young 
clergyman,  who  is  settled  as  a  pastor  in  a  dis- 
tant and  retired  village.  They  were  addressed, 
as  the  autfior  has  stated  in  his  preface,  to  a 
young  lady  of  highly  respectable  connexions, 
upon  the  occasion  of  her  making  a  public  pro- 
fession of  religion.  The  father  of  this  young 
lady,  who  is  distinguished  for  his  benevolence 
and  evangelical  piety,  was  unwilling  that  the 
pious  and  judicious  counsels  and  affectionate 
exhortations  which  they  contain  should  be  li- 
mited to  an  individual,  since  they  are  so  well 
adapted  to  be  useful  to  Christians  generally ; 
and  especially  to  the  young,  placed  in  circum- 
stances similar  to  those  of  the  person  to  whom 


28  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

they  were  originally  addressed.  A  request  was, 
therefore,  made  for  their  publication.  The 
author  through  modesty  has  withheld  his  name, 
but  has  requested  me  to  introduce  them  to  the 
public  with  some  preliminary  essay  of  my  own ; 
with  which  request  I  have  here  complied,  be- 
lieving that  the  letters  of  my'young  friend  are 
seasonable,  judicious,  and  pious,  and  that  as 
they  are  written  in  an  ornate  and  animated 
style,  they  will  be  extensively  perused  by  the 
voung. 

A.  ALEXANDER. 
Princeton^  N.  J. 


ADVICE,  &c 


LETTER  I. 

DEAR  YOUNG  FRIEND, 

You  are  very  young  to  profess  the  high 
character  of  a  Christian;  but  your  youth,  while 
it  serves  as  a  caution,  should  not  operate  as  a 
discouragement.  Many  a  person  of  fewer 
years,  and  with  less  advantages,  has  not  only 
given  satisfactory  evidence  of  conversion,  but 
proved,  in  subsequent  life,  to  be  of  that  num- 
ber whose  "  path  shineth  more  and  more,  unto 
the  perfect  day." 

It  becomes  you,  however,  to  look  narrowly 
into  the  evidences  of  such  a  change.  A  mis- 
take here  will  prove  fatal.  The  word  of  God 
and  prayer,  are  the  great  means,  which,  if  faith- 
fully applied,  will  in  due  time,  develope  your 
true  moral  character.  If  you  have  been  de- 
ceived, if  yet  in  your  sins,  these  duties  will  ere 
long  become  irksome,  and  be  loosely  perform- 
ed or  utterly  neglected.  If  you  have  been  re- 
generated, you  will  not  only  persevere  in  these 
duties,  but  will  find  that  they  elicit  more  and 
3* 


30  ADVICE  TO  A 

more  of  your  interest,  until  you  arrive  at  a 
well-grounded  hope  of  eternal  felicity. 

Taking  for  granted,  that  you  do  not  make 
this  profession  on  slight  grounds,  nor  with  in- 
adequate or  erroneous  views  ;  my  object,  in  a 
few  letters  which  I  shall  address  to  you,  will 
be  to  urge  you  to  the  formation  of  an  elevated 
Christian  character.  You  profess  to  have  ta- 
ken the  first  step  in  the  strait  and  narrow  way ; 
but  recollect,  it  is  only  the  first  step.  The 
concentrated  gaze  of  many  eyes  is  upon  you. 
Some  would  exult  in  your  downfall — others  re- 
joice in  your  advancement.  Invisible  and  wick- 
ed spirits  will  tempt  you  to  ruin.  Good  and 
guardian  angels  will  watch  around  your  steps, 
and  rejoice  in  your  victories.  To  sustain  your' 
self,  you  have  already  been  convinced  is  im- 
possible. If  you  are  regenerated,  you  are  not 
perfectly  sanctified ;  nor  loill  you  be,  until 
death  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  victory.  But 
as  Paul  could  do  all  things,  by  the  strength  of 
his  master,  so  can  the  weakest  believer ;  and 
you  must  ever  feel  that  the  same  grace,  which 
brought  "you  out  of  nature's  darkness,"  must 
enable  you  to  overcome  your  enemies,  and 
"  persevere  unto  the  end." 

As  I  have  touched  upon  this  point,  I  am  for* 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  31 

cibly  reminded  of  the  beautiful  dream  of  the 
Rev.  John  Newton,  while  lying  at  anchor  in 
the  harbour  of  Venice,  and  within  sight  of  a 
part  of  the  Alps.  For  the  particulars,  I  refer 
you  to  his  volumes.  The  substance  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

The  anxiety  of  mind  which  he  endured  in 
his  waking  hours,  seemed  to  give  a  colouring 
to  his  night  vision.  He  felt  himself  in  grekt 
perplexity  and  horror.  While  musing  on  the 
wretchedness  of  his  condition,  there  appeared 
suddenly,  a  celestial  figure,  who  presented  to 
him  a  ring,  which  she  said,  if  preserved  with 
care,  would,  on  every  difficult  occasion,  resolve 
his  doubts,  and  extricate  him  from  trouble.  He 
was  overjoyed  at  the  reception  of  it.  All  his 
fears  seemed  to  subside,  and  a  heavenly  sere- 
nity to  succeed.  While  in  this  tranquil  and 
happy  frame  of  mind,  another  personage,  of 
less  inviting  aspect,  made  his  appearance,  and, 
after  many  flattering  Avords  and  artful  insinua- 
tions, prevailed  on  him  to  part  with  the  ring. 
He  deliberately  dropped  it  over  the  side  of  the 
vessel,  and  it  sunk  to  the  bottom.  The  flames, 
in  an  awful  manner,  immediately  burst  from 
the  mountain,  and  he  seem  jd  tlireatened  with 
instant  destruction.   At  thi?  moment  of  horror, 


32  ADVICE  TO  A 

his  celestial  friend  again  appeared,  and,  with  a 
frown  of  mingled  love  and  reproof,  upbraided 
him  for  listening  to  the  voice  of  the  tempter. 
She  then  descended  into  the  water,  and  soon 
returned  bearing  the  ring,  and  th'is  addressed 
him:  "As  thou  art  unable  to  keep  this  token,  I 
will  preserve  it  for  thee,  and  it  shall  be  secure 
for  ever." 

•  I  have  only  given  you  from  memory  an  out 
line  of  this  beautiful  vision.  The  interpreta- 
tion, which  the  author  put  upon  it,  is  full  of 
spiritual  instruction.  If  left  for  oae  moment 
to  our  own  strength,  how  soon  do  we  abandon 
the  "ring,"  even  at  the  first  suggestion  of  the 
tempter  !  Then  the  soul  is  affrighted  and  dis- 
mayed. But  Jesus,  our  guardian,  is  able  to  re- 
store the  "ring,"  and  lest  we  should  lose  it,  he, 
in  condescension  to  our  infirmities,  deigns  to 
keep  it.  "I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake 
thee,"  is  his  language.  Thus,  my  dear  young 
friend,  entrust  the  "ring"  to  Him,  who  alone 
is  able  to  preserve  it.  When  the  tempter 
comes,  whether  in  the  artful  guise  of  what  the 
world  calls  innocent  pleasure,  or  the  bold  as- 
saults of  blasphemy  and  despair,  look  upward 
to  Him  who  is  charged  with  the  care  of  all  that 
is  precious  to  the  soul.      Wait  not  until  you 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  33 

are  overwhelmed  by  the  consciousness  of  con- 
tracted guilt,  but  flee — oh  flee,  as  for  your  life, 
to  Jesus!  You  cannot  trust  him  too  confi- 
dently. He  will  permit  you  to  sit  even  at  his 
feet.  There  is  honour,  there  is  safety,  there  is 
happiness. 

I  congratulate  you,  on  the  favourable  cir- 
cumstances in  which  you  are  placed  for  the 
formation  of  Christian  character.  The  work 
of  divine  grace  in  which  you  profess  to  be  a 
participant,  is,  I  understand,  still  in  progress. 
Doubtless  you  find  some  congenial  spirits  with 
whom  you  can  mingle  feelings,  unite  in  mutual 
prayer,  and  converse  on  the  sweetest  of  all 
topics,  the  love  of  your  Lord  and  Master.  Let 
it  be  a  principle  with  you,  to  select  as  your 
companions,  the  most  heavenly-minded  of  your 
sex.  If  such  can  be  found  in  the  higher  walks 
of  life,  very  well ;  be  they  your  bosom  friends ; 
but,  alas !  how  seldom,  in  the  higher  circles, 
does  religion,  in  its  native  simplicity  and  puri- 
ty, appear !  You  must  seek  it,  I  apprehend, 
in  the  low  vale  of  obscurity,  and  often  amid 
the  homely  attire  of  honest  poverty.  If  you 
have  the  spirit  of  Christ,  you  will  love  his 
image,  though  arrayed  in  an  humble  garb.  I 
know  it  has  ever  been  the  design  of  your  pa- 


34  ADVICE  TO  A 

rents,  to  make  you  estimate  character,  not  by 
riches,  nor  fashionable  appearance,  but  by  in- 
trinsic moral  worth ;  and  I  am  persuaded  that 
you  must  now  feel,  that  if  Providence  has  gi- 
ven you  advantages  of  wealth  and  education, 
above  the  plainest  rustic,  it  is  a  ground  of  hu- 
mility, in  as  much  as  it  lays  you  under  the 
greater  obligations.  Where  "  much  is  given," 
oh,  never  forget  it!  "much  will  be  required." 
On  this  principle,  are  you  not  bound  to  be 
humble,  benevolent,  condescending? 

In  closing  this  letter,  I  must  say  to  you  as  I 
lately  said  to  a  youth  in  my  parish,  who  is  about 
making  a  public  profession  of  her  faith  in  Christ: 
*'I  hope  you  will  not  be  satisfied  with  being 
half  a  Christian."  So,  my  young  friend,  I 
would  exhort  you  to  aim  high.  It  is  a  day  to 
elevate  the  standard  of  piety.  We  want  more 
Newels,  and  Huntingtons,  and  Ramsays,  and 
Smelts.  These  were  devoted  souls.  It  was  not 
half-way  work  with  them.  Religion  was  "  all 
in  all."  For  this  they  lived — they  suffered — and, 
supported  by  its  consolations,  they  died.  They 
have  left  a  bright  track  for  you  to  follow.  Tread 
closely  in  their  steps ;  and  then,  though  yoa 
share  in  their  sufferings,  you  shall  also  inherit, 
with  them,  the  "  crown  of  glory." 


YOtNG  CHRlS-TlAN.  35 


LETTER  II. 


Among  the  first  temptations  which  you  will 
probably  experience,  will  be  an  effort,  on  the 
part  of  your  spiritual  enemies,  to  seduce  you 
back  to  the  pleasures  of  the  world.  Sometimes 
it  will  be  a  direct  and  powerful  attack.  The 
ways  of  religion  will  be  represented  as  diffi* 
cult,  whilst  those  of  worldly  pleasure  will  be 
strewed  with  flowers.  "  What,"  the  tempter 
will  exclaim,  "  shall  one  so  young,  so  suscepti* 
ble  of  enjoyment  from  all  the  varied  delights 
of  sense — one  who  has  it  in  her  power  to  com- 
mand almost  any  imaginable  happiness — shall 
she  put  on  the  grave  aspect  of  piety,  and  thus 
debar  herself  from  every  innocent  pleasure? 
Look  abroad,  see  thy  young  companions^ 
how  their  hearts  beat  with  rapture,  as  they 
float  amid  the  circles  of  beauty  and  of  fashion* 
Why  shouldst  thou  become  a  sober  religionist^ 
when  thou  art  ripening  for  so  much  bliss  ?" 
In  such  false  and  flattering  colours,  will  the 
tempter  array  the  world.  Knowing  that  vanity 
is  one  of  the  strongest  principles  of  our  de- 
praved nature,  he  will  constantly,  and  often 
successfully,  appeal  to  it.  His  flatteries  will 
respect  your  person,  your  accomplirilimcnts. 


86  ADVICE  TO  A 

your  fortune.  He  will  suggest  that  with  such 
advantages,  the  world  must  pay  you  homage, 
and  become  a  sort  of  perpetual  paradise. 

Had  you,  my  young  friend,  been  one  of  plea- 
sure's gay  votaries,  as  /  have  been,  he  could 
not,  and  probably  he  would  not,  thus  address 
you.  I  could  say,  from  experience — thou  se- 
ducing spirit,  what  thou  sayest  is  false.  Have 
I  not  mingled  in  the  festival?  Have  I  not 
courted  pleasure  in  the  brilliant  assembly,  and 
the  crowded  theatre,  where  beauty  and  wealth 
have  poured  around  their  shining  and  fascina- 
ting attractions  ?  And  what  did  I  ever  gain  ? 
A  momentary  rapture,  I  admit;  an  exhilaration 
of  spirits,  and  a  temporary  oblivion  of  my 
cares.  But  this  was  all.  And  even  these  tran- 
sitory  joys  were  not  unalloyed.  Jealousy, 
and  envy,  and  hatred,  and  disappointment, 
would  occasionally  let  fall  the  bitter  drop,  as 
the  cup  was  passing  to  the  lip ;  and  satiety, 
disgust,  and  self-loathing,  would  succeed.  But 
conscience  was  more  powerful  than  all.  What 
restless  hours  of  wakeful  solicitude,  what  anti- 
cipated wrath,  what  vain  resolutions,  what  un- 
availing regrets !  And  shall  the  tempter  tell 
me,  that  the  pleasures  of  the  world  are  worthy 
to  b?  preferred  to  the  calm  delight  of  com* 
m\K  'on  with  God,  and  the  high  enjoyments  of 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  37 

religion  ?  "  He  was  a  liar  from  the  beginning," 
and  Avhen,  my  young  Christian  friend,  he  as- 
saults you  with  such  suggestions,  or  when, 
through  his  emissaries  in  human  form,  he  would 
seduce  you  from  your  allegiance,  recollect  his 
character,  resist  his  suggestions — and,  accoi- 
ding  to  the  promise,  "  he  will  flee  from  you." 

But  it  is  far  more  probable,  that  his  insinua- 
tions will  be  almost  imperceptible.  A  direct 
and  powerful  attack  may  throw  a  Christian  on 
his  face,  and  overwhelm  him  with  agony ;  but 
Judah's  lion  shall  appear,  and  affright  the  bold 
adversary.  It  is  when  your  spiritual  enemies 
are  making  a  gradual  advance  on  )  ^ur  purity 
and  devotedness,  that  they  are  most  to  be 
dreaded,  as  most  likely  to  be  successful.  Now, 
you  are,  I  trust,  conscientious  in  the  discharge 
of  the  duty  of  private  devotion.  You  love  to 
retire  from  human  observation,  to  commune 
with  God.  I  would  fain  believe,  that  you  are 
never  so  happy  as  when  thus  engaged ;  that 
you  have  a  consecrated  spot,  which  you  call 
your  Bethel,  where  the  soul  daily  drinks  in  the 
waters  of  life. 

Happy,  dear  youth,  happy  will  you  be,  if 
that  Bethel  is  always  thus  attractive  and  inte- 
resting^. But  the  great  danger  is,  that  it  will 
4 


88  ADVICE  TO  A 

he  neglected,  and  perhaps  forsaken.  You  are 
ready  to  exclaim,  "impossible!  I  shall  never 
cease  to  pray.  I  could  sooner  dispense  with 
my  daily  food,  than  forego  the  privileges  of  a 
throne  of  grace."  This  is  the  language  of 
sincerity,  I  doubt  not.  You  verily  think  so  ; 
but  how  little  do  you  know  the  temptations 
which  surround  you,  and  the  deceitfulness  of 
your  own  heart  ?  You  have  much  to  fear. 

When  called  myself  from  nature's  darkness, 
and  made,  as  I  hope,  to  taste  the  sweetness  of 
redeeming  love,  I  was  of  the  same  opinion. 
I  had  waked  up  in  a  new  world.  'Twas  as  if 
the  Creator  had  formed  a  new  being,  akin  to 
the  happy  spirits  in  heaven^  and  dropped  him 
on  the  earth,  in  the  spring  time  of  nature's 
magnificence  and  beauty.  The  foliage  seemed 
greener  and  fresher  than  ever.  The  dew-drops 
glittered  more  brilliantly ;  the  sky  looked 
purer ;  and  every  thing  seemed  to  shine  and 
wave,  in  silent  but  emphatic  praise  of  God, 
their  Creator.  My  soul  beat  in  happy  unison 
with  these  silent  worshippers,  and  methought 
I  could  never  cease  to  sing  and  pray.  My  very 
being  seemed  to  consist  in  it.  But  has  it  been 
so  ever  since  ?  Oh  ye  hours  of  anguish,  ye  days 
of  sensuality — ambition — and  folly  ;  ye  can 
sty  how  guilty,  how  careless,  how  ungrateful. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  39 

I  have  been.  Little  did  I  then  dream  of  loving 
and  serving  the  world.  I  thought  I  could  have 
spent  an  eternity  of  happiness,  on  some  lonely 
rock  in  the  ocean,  if  God  were  with  me  there. 
I  thought  my  soul  would  never  forsake  him, 
nor  my  voice  ever  be  silent  in  his  praise.  But  I 
knew  not  my  own  heart,  nor  the  power  of  the 
world's  allurements. 

Now  do  not  suppose,  that  because  I  and 
others  have  been  tempted  to  backshde,  and 
have  yielded  to  the  temptation,  you  must  ne- 
cessarily follow  our  disgraceful  defection.  I 
hope  you  never  will.  If  you  are  a  child  of 
God,  you  need  not.  You  may  go  "from  strength 
to  strength."  You  may  accomplish  victory  af- 
ter victory.     God  grant  that  you  may ! 

But,  should  you,  by  mournful  experience, 
have  to  look  upon  yourself  as  a  backslider, 
you  Avill  remember  this  warning,  and  wish  you 
had  heeded  it.  Like  the  prodigal,  you  will  be 
in  spiritual  beggary.  I  know  of  no  condition, 
except  that  of  hardened  impenitence,  more 
pitiable  than  the  condition  of  a  backslider. 
Conscience  is  too  quick  to  allow  him  to  enjoy 
the  world ;  and  religion  is  too  much  neglected 
to  yield  him  the  smallest  comfort.  He  lives  in 
disquietude,  and  anguish,  until  he  repents,  and 
finds  anew  the  favour  of  his  God. 


40  ADVICE  TO  A 


LETTER  III. 


In  my  last,  I  touched  upon  the  subject  of 
temptation.  I  am  constrained  to  add  a  few 
words  more  on  the  same  subject.  It  has  been 
too  common  for  those  who  have  betrayed  their 
Lord  by  a  disgraceful  return  to  the  world,  to 
predict  the  same  defection  in  others.  Hence 
you  often  hear  professors  of  religion  address 
the  youthful  convert  in  such  language  as  the 
following:  "Your  present  ardour  is  no  proof 
that  it  will  continue ;  now  you  are  all  joy,  all 
devotion ;  by  and  by  the  scene  will  be  changed. 
I  once  felt  as  you  now  feel ;  perhaps  I  enjoyed 
more  extatic  pleasure :  but  I  soon  lost  the 
glow  of  my  first  love,  and  so  will  you.  A  few 
years  will  cool  you  down,  and  show  you  that 
such  engagedness  cannot  always  last." 

When  I  hear  such  language  addressed  to  the 
young  Christian,  I  am  indignant.  It  is  not  ne- 
cessarily true  ;  my  young  friend,  it  is  not  true. 
The  Bible,  which  is  the  only  "lamp  to  our 
path,"  gives  no  warrant  for  such  a  prediction. 
True,  it  represents  the  cases  of  many  who  at 
first  bade  fair,  but  subsequently  apostatized.  It 
records  the  cases  of  such,  as  a  flaming  beacon,  to 


YOTTNG  CHRISTIAN.  41 

#arn  those  who  should  come  after  them.  But 
iocs  it  not  represent  the  path  of  the  just,  as 
**thc  shining  light,  which  shineth  more  and 
more  unto  the  perfect  day  ?'*  Does  it  not  say, 
that  he  who  hath  clean  hands,  shall  grow 
•* stronger  and  stronger?"  Does  it  not  urge 
as  to  " grow  in  grace,"  to  "forget  the  things 
w^hich  are  behind,"  and  "reach  towards  those 
vhich  are  before?"  to  make  Christ  our 
nark,  and  press  towards  it,  with  all  the  energy 
>f  an  Olympic  racer,  struggling  in  competition 
(or  the  goal? 

Now,  I  warn  you  not  to  listen  to  such  cold 
{)redictions.  They  who  make  them  from  their 
awn  experience,  may  have  been  hypocrites. 
They  may  have  felt  something,  which  they 
called  spiritual  joy ;  but  perhaps  it  was  "  Satan 
transformed  into  an  angel  of  light :"  perhaps 
U  was  the  workings  of  their  own  imaginations, 
and  not  the  legitimate  fruits  of  the  spirit.  Let 
them  take  heed  to  themselves,  lest  they  have 
been  deceived ;  and  not  allure  others  on,  in 
their  down-hill  course,  by  their  disgraceful  ex- 
ample. But  suppose  them  to  have  been  Chris- 
tians ;  and  I  allow  that  a  Christian  may  grow 
cold,  and  backslide  in  the  service  of  God ;  is 
such  language  warranted  by  the  word  of  God  ? 


42  ADVICE  TO  A 

Is  it  likely  to  urge  forward  the  young  convert 
in  the  path  of  holiness  ?  Is  it  likely  to  raise 
the  standard  of  piety  in  the  souls  of  others  ? 
No,  far  from  it.  Young  converts  are  prone  to 
copy  those  who  are  older  and  more  experien- 
ced. If  they  are  persuaded  that  it  is  consist- 
ent with  the  existence  of  piety,  to  grow  cold 
in  feeling,  they  will  probably  yield  to  the  se- 
ductions of  the  world,  and  the  temptations  of 
Satan.  They  will  not  press  forward ;  they  will 
recede.  They  will  take  the  cold  dead  level  of 
their  predecessors. 

But,  my  young  friend,  be  you  warned  by 
this,  not  to  listen  to  such  language  for  a  mo- 
ment ;  nor  to  suppose  it  must  be  true  in  your 
case.  I  do  assure  you,  your  Bible  holds  a  dif- 
ferent language.  As  you  value  your  comfort, 
your  peace  of  mind,  your  immortal  hopes, 
your  character  as  a  Christian,  your  influence 
as  a  follower  of  the  Lamb — press  forward. 
Strive  every  day  to  make  some  new  attain- 
ments in  knowledge  and  holiness.  You  are 
engaged  in  a  conflict.  You  have  put  on  the 
armour  of  God;  and,  put  it  off*  for  a  momen< 
you  must  not.  Your  enemies  are  numerous 
vigilant,  and  powerful.  You  must  content 
every  day  :  nor  must  you  think  of  rest  or  re 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  43 

laxation.  When  death  shall  unbind  for  you 
the  gospel  armour,  and  you  hear  the  dark 
waves  of  Jordan  lashing  these  mortal  shores, 
then,  and  not  till  then,  will  your  struggles  be 
ended,  and  your  victory  complete.  You  have 
counted  the  cost ;  do  not  shrink  at  the  cross. 
Christ  will  be  with  you.  Christ  will  support 
you.  Under  His  banner  you  contend.  His 
arm  will  shield  you,  and  his  grace  bring  you  off 
more  than  conqueror. 

I  have  digressed  a  little  from  the  point  at 
which  I  aimed.  I  wished  to  caution  you  par- 
ticularly, concerning  the  first  step  in  a  back- 
ward course.  The  first  step  in  the  retreat  is 
an  important  one.  It  is  needful,  therefore,  to 
say,  that  generally,  that  step  commences  at  the 
closet.  Prayer  is  the  strong  hold  to  which  the 
young  Christian  generally  resorts.  In  doubts 
and  difficulties,  a  throne  of  grace  is  his  refuge. 
If  the  "devouring  lion"  roar,  thither  the  lamb 
will  flee,  and  house  itself  in  the  bosom  of  its 
shepherd.  If  the  world  entice,  and  for  a  mo- 
ment soil  his  purity,  thither  he  repairs,  and  the 
stain  is  washed  out  in  the  blood  of  Jesus.  If 
the  path  of  duty  be  not  obvious,  if  perplexity 
attend  his  course,  at  a  throne  of  grace  there  is 
light  and  direction.      Hence  it  will  be  an  im- 


44  ADVICE  TO  A 

portant  advantage  to  your  enemies,  if  they  can 
draw  you  from  this  palladium,  this  strong  tower 
of  defence.  Keep  alive,  then,  I  beseech  you, 
to  the  first  symptom  of  declension  in  prayer. 
Prayer  is  a  difficult,  often  an  arduous  work ; 
but  it  is  the  life  and  soul  of  a  Christian.  It  is 
not  only  his  incumbent  duty,  but  his  most  pre- 
cious privilege. 

Now  it  will  be  the  aim  of  the  tempter,  to 
withdraw  you  from  being  "  instant  in  prayer.' 
He  knows  what  a  powerful  weapon  it  is  ;  and, 
therefore,  he  will  endeavour  to  wrest  it  out  of 
your  hands.  He  will  represent  it  as  an  irksome 
duty.  He  will  suggest  that  fewer  and  shorter 
prayers  will  answer.  He  will  interpose  obsta- 
cles between  you  and  your  closet.  He  will  di- 
vert your  attention  while  there,  and  then  taunt 
you  with  your  coldness  and  your  folly.  He 
will  say  that  your  prayers  are  hypocritical — in- 
sincere— an  abomination  to  God.  He  will 
suggest,  that  now»  you  are  not  in  a  good 
frame — advise  you  to  put  it  off  until  you  feel 
in  a  better.  Thus  will  he  try  every  art,  and 
use  every  machination  to  draw  you  from  this 
refuge  of  your  soul.  But,  "get  thee  behind 
me,  Satan,"  must  be  your  reply  to  all  such 
suggestions.      You  must  cling  closer  to  th© 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  45 

*'  horns  of  the  altar."  You  must  "  bind  the 
sacrifice  with  cords,"  if  you  cannot  keep  it 
there.  You  must  give  yourself  to  prayer,  and 
to  the  word  of  God.  Like  the  vestals,  you 
must  live  at  the  altar. 


46  ADVICE  TO  A 

LETTER  IV. 

I  FEEL  constrained,  my  young  friend,  to  add 
something  more  on  the  subject  of  prayer.  This 
duty,  in  my  view,  is  of  such  importance  as  to 
warrant  a  few  more  remarks ;  although  I  do 
not  intend  enlarging  on  a  subject  upon  which 
so  much,  and  such  excellent  things  have  been 
written. 

^  You  were  taught,  by  your  pious  parents,  to 
utter  a  form  of  prayer,  as  soon  as  your  infant 
mind  could  comprehend,  and  your  infant  tongue 
enunciate  a  sentence.  In  looking  back  upon 
these  juvenile  devotions,  you  doubtless  see 
wherein  they  were  deficient.  Your  ideas  of 
the  Being  to  whom  they  were  addressed,  were 
confused  and  inadequate.  You  could  not  then 
comprehend  the  necessity  of  a  Mediator;  for 
as  yet  you  had  not  discovered  the  evil  of  sin, 
and  the  wrath  of  God,  as  revealed  against  it. 
You  had  too  deep  a  sense  of  obligation,  to 
neglect  prayer  entirely ;  but  of  the  real  nature 
and  efficacy  of  prayer,  you  had  little  concep- 
tion. To  your  mind,  prayer  was  a  form  of 
words  to  be  repeated  at  stated  intervals.  "When 


VOtfNG  CHRISTIAN.  47 

tlms  repeated,  the  obligation  was  discharged. 
This  was  probably  all  you  knew  about  prayer. 

Cut  shall  parents  omit  to  inculcate  this  duty 
on  their  children,  because  they  cannot  compre- 
hend the  nature  of  it  ?  Certainly  not.  How 
can  they  tell  but  that  when  they  have  taught 
the  little  prattler  to  compose  himself  to  rest, 
with  his  familiar  and  simple  petitions,  the 
Spirit  of  God  may  enlighten  the  child  into  the 
spiritual  import  of  his  prayer,  and  make  it  a 
means  of  leading  him  to  more  enlarged  peti- 
tions, offered  up  "  in  spirit  and  in  truth."  No 
person  can  estimate  the  advantages  of  early 
imbuing  the  youthful  mind  with  a  sense  of  its 
obhgations  to  God.  Such  instructions  should 
commence  vv^ith  the  first  dawn  of  intellect; 
and  sure  I  am,  that  in  subsequent  life,  the  sub- 
ject of  them  will  generally  be  the  better  and 
the  happier. 

To  illustrate  this,  I  Avill  recur  again  to  my 
own  case.  I  was  'aught  by  one  of  the  best  of 
mothers,  never  to  close  my  eyes  without  re- 
peating my  prayers.  This  I  conscientiously 
adhered  to,  until  about  thirteen  or  fourteen 
years  of  age,  when  I  began  gradually  to  omit 
them.  Whether  I  felt  that  they  were  too  child- 
ish, or  whether,  as  is  most  probable,  mv  con- 


48  ADVICE  TO  A 

science  was  becoming  seared  in  the  down-hill 
course  of  iniquity,  I  cannot  now  remember. 
But  at  all  events,  my  prayers  were  no  longer 
offered ;  and  I  went  to  sleep  and  rose  up  like 
a  brute.  With  the  omission  of  these  prayers, 
commenced  a  retrograde  movement  in  morals, 
until  I  hung  over  the  abyss  of  ruin,  ripe  for 
the  judgments  of  God.  And  what  do  you  sup- 
pose occurred  first,  to  rouse  me  from  the  fatal 
slumbers  of  death  ?  As  I  was  retiring  one  night, 
the  recollection  of  my  former  punctilious  at- 
tention to  prayer,  rushed  upon  my  mind.  I 
paused.  "  What,"  said  I  to  myself,  "  am  I  go* 
ing  to  lie  down  without  one  thought  of  God, 
or  offering  one  prayer  for  the  safety  of  my 
soul  ?  Did  I  not  once  repeat  my  prayers  ;  and 
at  a  time  too  when  I  was  far  less  guilty  than 
now?  Why  have  I  omitted  them  so  long? 
Suppose  I  should  die  this  night,  where  then 
would  my  soul  be  ?"  With  such  reflections  1 
became  impressed;  and  although  I  did  not 
kneel  that  night,  yet  in  a  recumbent  posture,  I 
began  again  to  repeat  my  juvenile  devotions. 
I  was  nearly  seventeen  years  of  age  when  I 
resumed  them.  I  had  almost  forgotten  them. 
A  few  days  and  nights  rolled  away,  and  con- 
victions grew  heavier  on  my  soul.     I  thought 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  49 

a  repetition  of  these  forms  was  not  enough. 
My  soul  began  to  sink  in  the  deep  waters; 
and  a  few  more  days  brought  me  on  my  knees 
at  the  bed-side,  with  the  prayer  of  the  publi 
can :  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

Thus,  my  young  friend,  were  my  mother's 
early  instructions,  among  the  means,  under 
God,  of  rescuing  me  from  ruin,  temporal  and 
eternal.  Thus  it  is  evident,  that  the  sooner 
children  are  taught  to  pray,  the  better ;  and  no 
assiduity  can  be  too  great,  to  impress  on  them 
the  obligation  and  the  necessity  of  prayer. 

Still  I  believe,  that  the  Christian  only,  prays 
the  acceptable  prayer.  Until  the  spirit  of  God 
convince  of  sin,  the  soul  will  not  see  its  odi- 
ousness,  nor  pray  for  its  removal.  The  dan- 
ger to  which  it  is  exposed  here  and  hereafter, 
it  may  see  ;  and  it  may  deprecate  the  punish- 
ment to  which  it  is  subjected ;  but  it  is  only 
when  the  soul  is  renewed  in  the  image  of  God, 
that  "  sin  appears  exceeding  sinful,"  and  that 
the  effectual  fervent  prayer  for  sanctification 
is  offered. 

If  you  are  a  Christian,  my  young  friend,  the 
throne  of  grace  is  yours.  Your  Father  is  seated 
on  it.  Your  Saviour  has  sprinkled  it  with  his 
blood      The  Holy   Spirit  draws  you  sweetly 


50  ADVICE  TO  A 

to  kneel  before  it;  and  l^e  promise,  when 
there,  is,  **  open  your  mouth  wide,  and  I  will  fill 
it."  What  an  honour  thus  to  approach  the 
King  of  kings !  Were  we  to  have  audience 
with  an  earthly  monarch,  we  should  deem  it  an 
era  in  our  history,  and  boast  of  it  through  life. 
But  you,  and  I,  and  others,  may  have  audi 
ence  with  the  King  of  the  universe.  Nay,  we 
have  liberty  to  approach  Him  at  any  time,  and 
under  all  circumstances.  Have  we  wants,  He 
can  supply  them.  Are  we  in  trouble,  He  can 
extricate  us.  Do  afflictions  press  our  souls.  He 
can  mitigate  and  remove  them.  Does  sin  pol- 
lute our  joys,  with  Him  is  the  fountain  of  clean- 
sing. Does  Satan  vex  our  souls.  He  invites  us 
to  his  arms  as  our  refuge.  All  relief  and  every 
blessing  is  with  God. 

There  is  nothing  which  so  elevates  a  charac- 
ter, and  especially  a  female  character,  as  deep 
and  intimate  communion  with  God.  She  seems 
then  to  be  allied  to  angelic  natures.  A  sort  of 
mellow  radiance  is  poured  into  her  character, 
as  if  some  particles  of  heaven's  glory  had 
been  let  fall  upon  her.  She  moves  in  a  higher 
sphere  than  the  generality  of  her  sex.  She  is 
another  being  than  those  idle,  sickly  daughters 
of  pleasure,  who  waste  their  lives  in  dreaming 


YOVNG  CHRISTIAN.  gf] 

inciful  visions  of  happiness,  sporting  awhile 
amid  life's  tumultuous  joys,  and  then  sinking 
unblessed  into  a  wretched  eternity.  She  con- 
verses with  God.  At  a  throne  of  grace,  she 
acquires  a  benevolence,  a  dignity,  a  humility, 
which  throw  around  her  an  attractive  lustre, 
put  sweetness  into  every  action  and  expression, 
make  her  contented  in  every  condition  of  life, 
patient  under  every  affliction,  faithful  in  the 
discharge  of  every  duty,  and  which  even  grace 
her  dying  hours,  and  make  her  "  death-bed  pri- 
vileged beyond  the  common  walks  of  life." 


52  ADVICE  TO  A 

LETTER   V. 

There  are  three  inquiries,  my  young  friend, 
respecting  prayer,  which  every  conscientious 
Christian  will  be  likely  to  institute.  How  ought 
I  to  pray,  when,  or  at  what  times,  and  for  what 
things  ?  These  are  important  inquiries.  A  full 
and  satisfactory  answer,  I  feel  myself  unable 
to  give.  I  shall,  in  my  desultory  way,  barely 
touch  upon  each. 

Those  who  worship  God,  are  bound  to  "wor- 
ship him  in  spirit  and  in  truth."  In  spirit,  as 
opposed  to  the  mere  external  ceremonies.  The 
Jews  and  the  Samaritans,  at  the  time  our  Lord 
uttered  the  prediction  just  alluded  to,  were  re- 
posing an  unfounded  confidence  in  the  mere 
forms  and  ceremonies  of  their  religion ;  while 
in  the  em-phatic  language  of  inspiration,  their 
"  hearts  were  far  from  God." 

We  must  pray  then  with  the  Spirit.  The 
heart  must  be  in  the  work,  or  it  wiU  be  insin- 
cere and  ineffectual.  The  Quakers,  you  know, 
reject  all  external  forms.  They  are  on  one  ex- 
treme. The  Jews  and  Catholics,  having  a  mul- 
titude of  forms,  are  on  the  other.  I  would  not 
insinuate,  that  among  Quakers  and  Catholics, 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  53 

here  are  no  sincere  worshippers ;  far  from  it.  I 
oelieve  there  are  many  devout  Christians  among 
both.  I  am  persuaded  for  my  own  part,  that  some 
atte^jtion  to  form  and  circumstance  is  an  impor- 
tant auxiliary  to  us  poor  weak  mortals,  in  our 
attempts  to  worship  God.  In  my  own  experience 
I  have  found  the  benefit  of  it.  For  example ; 
when  I  have  a  particular  room  allotted  to  my 
devotions — a  certain  place  in  that  room,  where 
I  am  accustomed  to  kneel — a  degree  of  obscu- 
rity shed  over  the  place  by  the  exclusion  of  too 
great  a  glare  of  light ;  all  these  circumstances 
are  a  help  to  me,  by  the  power  of  mental  asso- 
ciation. There  is  nature  in  this  :  and  God  per- 
mits us  to  have  recourse  to  every  lawful  auxi- 
liary in  worshipping  him.  The  great  point  is, 
to  worship  "  in  spirit  and  in  truth." 

True  worship  is  distinguished  from  false,  in- 
asmuch as  the  one  is  scriptural,  but  the  other  is 
not  A  true  worshipper  views  the  character  of 
God  as  it  is  delineated  in  the  Bible.  The  om- 
niscience, omnipresence,  holiness,  justice,  good- 
ness, and  truth,  of  God,  are  attributes  of  delight- 
ful contemplation ;  and  centering  in  one  eternal, 
unchangeable,  and  incomprehensible  Spirit, 
they  excite  his  reverence,  his  confidence,  his 
humility,  and  his  love.  He  looks  into  his  Bible 
5* 


54  ADVICE  TO  A 

to  learn  the  character  of  God ;  and,  as  there 
found,  worships  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

But  can  a  guilty  creature,  who  has  violated 
every  obligation  he  is  under  to  his  Creator,  ap- 
proach him  without  the  intervention  of  a  Me- 
diator ?  I  bring  this  question  home  to  myself, 
and  inquire,  would  I  dare,  as  a  suppliant,  to  ap- 
proach my  God  and  my  Creator,  in  all  my  un- 
covered, aggravated  guilt  ?  This,  my  young 
friend,  is  the  hinge  of  salvation.  The  Socinian 
will  tell  me,  certainly  you  may.  But  my  own 
conscience  would  give  a  different  verdict.  I 
see  nought  in  my  life  but  sin  ;  sin  of  the  most 
aggravated  kind  :  I  repeat  these  sins,  and  con- 
fess them  ;  and  again  repeat  them.  Now,  I  say, 
is  God  holy  ?  Is  He  opposed  to  sin  ?  Then 
must  I  fall  under  His  wrath  and  curse.  Then 
how  can  J  expect  to  escape  His  indignation  ? 
He  is  merciful,  says  the  Socinian.  True,  he  is 
merciful ;  but  is  not  that  mercy  exercised  in  a 
peculiar  way  ?  Is  it  indiscriminate,  uncondi- 
tional mercy  ?  Must  not  something  be  done  to 
show  God's  abhorrence  of  my  sins  ?  Must  not 
some  sacrifice  be  made  ?  Now  I  am  brought 
to  the  delightful,  soul-cheering  feature  of  the 
Gospel :  "God  in  Christ,  reconciling  the  world 
unto  Himself,  not  imputing  their   trespasses 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  55 

unw  them."  "  He  so  loved  the  world,  that  he 
gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  be- 
Keveth  in  Him  should  not  perish,  but  have  ever- 
lasting life."  "  He  was  wounded  for  our  trans- 
gressions." On  this  foundation,  my  soul  finds 
firm  footing,  and  I  rest  secure  in  the  promise 
of  eternal  life.  Whosoever  cometh  unto  the 
Father,  therefore,  must  come  through  Christ ; 
and  so  coming,  shall  not  be  cast  out. 

All  acceptable  prayer,  is  rendered  so,  by  the 
merits  and  intercession  of  the  Divine  Saviour. 
He  is  our  merciful  and  faithful  High  Priest. 
His  own  blood  was  shed  for  the  remission  of 
our  sins  :  and  the  apostle  says,  "if  any  man  sin, 
we  have  an  advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus 
Christ  the  righteous."  When  you  pray,  there- 
fore, never  lose  sight  of  the  Mediator.  "  His 
name  is  like  ointment  poured  forth."  The  sin- 
ner's friend,  he  pleads  the  sinner^s  cause.  He 
knows  your  infirmities,  your  temptations,  and 
your  trials,  and  is  ever  ready  to  afford  you 
relief. 

The  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  is,  I  know,  of- 
fensive to  many,  who  are  governed  more  by 
carnal  reason,  than  by  scripture;  but  to  me,  if 
I  am  not  deceived,  it  is  one  of  the  most  com- 
forting, cheering,  and  elevating  truths  of  the 


56  ADVICE  TO  A 

Bible.  I  see  the  persons  of  the  Godhead  har- 
moniously engaged  in  my  deliverance.  In 
prayer,  the  Spirit  seems  to  lift  my  lagging  af- 
fections, and  to  carry  them  upward,  pouring 
light  into  the  dark  chambers  of  the  mind.  Jesus, 
the  Mediator,  pleads  my  cause,  even  when  my 
own  tongue  is  dumb  with  grief,  and  my  soul 
overwhelmed  with  conscious  guilt.  Then  the 
throne  of  grace  is  precious,  and  the  soul  is  re- 
plenished as  with  marrow  and  fatness. 

I  pity  those  whose  scepticism  has  blotted  out 
the  glory  of  our  Immanuel.  Their  religion  is 
cold.  It  warms  not  the  heart ;  it  pacifies  not 
the  conscience  ;  it  prompts  to  few  acts  of  self- 
denial  ;  it  almost  obliterates  the  line  between 
the  righteous  and  the  wicked  ;  and  it  makes  re- 
tribution a  farce.  After  all,  it  is  only  a  substi- 
tute, and  a  very  poor  one,  for  the  glorious  Gos 
pel  of  the  Son  of  God. 

Having  been  inadvertently  led,  by  the  sub- 
ject, to  these  remarks,  I  must  now  return.  In 
prayer,  we  must  be  earnest — we  must  be  sin 
cere — we  must  have  faith  in  the  promises.  The 
"  fervent  prayer  availeth  much."  "  Jacob  wres- 
tled ;"  what  a  strong  expression !  Jesus,  in 
prayer,  sweat  drops  of  blood.  Paul  prayed 
with  tears.  Hannah  wept  at  the  altar.  All  these 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  57 

examples,  and  numerous  others,  such  as  the 
widow  pleading  with  the  unjust  judge,  show  the 
necessity  of  earnestness  in  prayer.  This  I 
know  is  often  difficult.  You  will  come  to  the 
mercy-seat,  with  a  cold  heart  and  wandering 
thoughts  ;  and  how  at  such  times  can  you  be 
fervent  ?  "  The  Spirit  helpeth  our  infirmities," 
is  the  only  reply  I  can  offer.  And  this  is  suf- 
ficient. In  such  a  frame  of  mind,  there  is  the 
greater  need  of  earnestness.  Tarry  not  until 
your  thoughts  take  a  more  elevated  and  spirit- 
ual tone.  I  have  always  found,  that  the  best 
way  of  proceeding  in  such  a  case,  was  to  apply 
immediately  to  a  throne  of  grace.  There  wres- 
tle ;  renew  the  supplication,  and  still  renew  it ; 
until,  as  is  often  the  case,  the  fire  of  heaven 
descends,  and  the  sacrifice  is  enkindled.  The 
Lord  give  you  the  spirit  and  the  success  of  the 
patriarch  Jacob 


68  ADVICE  TO  A 


LETTER  VI. 

Sincerity,  my  dear  young  friend,  is  an  es- 
sential ingredient  in  prayer.  Without  it,  no 
prayer  can  be  acceptable.  Indeed,  if  we  are 
insincere,  we  cannot  be  said  to  pray.  A  mere 
form  of  words,  is  not  prayer. 

Prayer,  is  the  desire  of  the  heart  for  some- 
thing which  we  judge  to  be  necessary  or  bene- 
ficial. It  implies  a  knowledge  of  our  wants, 
and  an  urgent  wish  to  have  them  supplied.  If, 
therefore,  the  heart  be  roving  after  one  object, 
while  the  lips  are  employed  in  asking  for  an- 
other, we  are  insincere  and  unacceptable  wor- 
shippers. Such  conduct  is  an  insult  to  our 
Creator — a  game  of  deception  on  ourselves. 
Such  were  the  petitions  at  which  God,  in  old 
times,  declared  himself  indignant ;  when  his 
professing  people  drew  "  nigh  unto  Him  with 
their  mouth,  and  honoured  Him  with  their  lips, 
while  their  heart  was  far  from  Him."  Such 
was  the  religion  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  ; 
fair  and  beautiful  without,  but  within,  all  rot- 
tenness and  corruption. 

Reflect  a  moment  ere  you  bend  the  knee  at 
the  throne  of  grace.     I  am  not  now  about  to 


TOtNO  CHRISTIAN.  69 

approach  an  earthly  monarch,  who,  though  sur- 
rounded with  the  pomp  and  circumstance  of 
royalty,  is  but  a  worm  of  the  dust  like  myself; 
but  I  am  to  have  audience  with  the  King  of 
kingS' — the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth.  I  am 
about  to  come  into  the  presence,  and  to  utter 
the  name  of  Him,  at  whose  fiat  all  creation 
sprang  into  existence.  Were  I  in  the  presence 
of  a  finite  being,  I  might  perhaps  conceal  my 
feelings  under  a  form  of  words.  I  might  utter 
one  thing  and  mean  another.  But  can  I  thus 
practice  deception  with  God?  Are  not  all 
things  "  naked,  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of 
Him,  with  whom  we  have  to  do?"  Does  not 
He  search  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men  ? 
"Will  he  be  satisfied  with  any  thing  but  "  truth 
in  the  inward  parts  ?"  "  If  I  regard  iniquity  in 
my  heart,'*  says  the  sweet  singer  of  Israel, 
"the  Lord  will  not  hear  me."  And  again,  in 
his  bold  and  beautiful  interrogatories:  "He 
that  formed  the  eye,  shall  He  not  see?  He 
that  created  the  ear,  shall  He  not  hear  ?" 

Let  such  be  your  meditation,  when  you  are 
about  to  kneel  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Not 
that  I  would  array  the  character  of  God  in  ter* 
rors  to  your  mind,  or  send  you  to  tremble  like 
a  slave  at  his  feet.      No,  he  is  a  God  of  love, 


60  ADVICE  TO  A 

of  compassion,  of  long  forbearance ;  more  be* 
neficent  and  tender  than  the  kindest  earthly  pa- 
rent. You  may  go  to  Him,  and  you  must  so 
go,  in  the  confiding  simplicity  of  a  child  and  a 
favourite.  When  you  take  to  Him  the  name 
of  Christ  your  Mediator,  you  take,  so  to  speak, 
a  passport  into  his  very  bosom.  You  may  un- 
burden your  whole  heart;  tell  Him  things  which 
you  could  confide  to  no  mortal  ear ;  make  con- 
fession of  sins,  which  you  dare  only  whisper 
in  your  closet;  and  in  the  ingenuous  frankness 
of  faith  and  penitence,  humbly  cast  yourself  on 
his  all-supporting  arm.  He  is  your  covenant 
God  ;  and,  when  alone  with  Him,  you  may  in- 
dulge even  a  holy  familiarity. 

Reflect  on  your  own  character,  as  well  as 
on  that  of  the  Being  Avhom  you  address  ;  the 
thought  of  both  will  humble  you  in  the  dust, 
and  prepare  you,  in  your  approach  to  the  mer- 
cy-seat, to  appreciate  the  all-glorious,  divine, 
and  compassionate  Mediator.  Be  careful  to 
inquire  into  your  wants.  Say  within  yourself, 
why  ha,ve  I  now  retired  ?  What  errand  have  I 
at  the  throne  ?  what  sins  to  confess,  what  mer- 
cies to  acknowledge,  what  wants  to  be  suppli- 
ed ?  For  whom,  beside  myself,  should  I  pray  ? 
what  temptations  appear  to  be  most  formida- 


YOtJNO  CHRISTIAN.  61 

ble  ?  Let  me  not  cover  one  sin,  nor  keep  back 
one  confession.  Let  me  not  ask  for  holiness, 
if  I  would  retain  a  single  lust ;  if  I  am  not  re- 
solved to  crucify  all.  Let  me  not  ask  for  a  re- 
vival of  religion,  if  I  do  not  secretly  and  sin* 
cerely  wish  for  it.  "  Search  me,  O  God,  and 
know  my  heart ;  and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked 
way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlast- 
ing ;"  should  ever  be  your  wish  and  your  peti- 
tion. Let  your  sincerity  be  such,  that  you  can 
ever  thus  appeal  to  the  heart-searching  God> 
Nothing  is  so  well  calculated  to  foster  the  spi» 
rit  of  devotion,  as  to  be  enabled  to  say  with 
Peter,  "thou  knowest;"  to  make  the  familiar 
appeal,  although  I  cannot,  by  reason  of  infirmi- 
ty, express  the  number  and  aggravation  of  my 
sins,  yet,  oh  Lord,  "thou  knowest,"  I  lament 
them,  and  sincerely  desire  their  removal ;  al* 
though  my  words  fail  in  expressing  my  grati* 
tude,  yet  "thou  knowest,"  my  heart  is  full ;  al- 
though I  cannot  give  expression  to  my  feelings 
in  behalf  of  Zion,  yet  "  thou  knowest,"  I  love 
her  prosperity,  and  earnestly  desire  her  in 
crease  and  glory.  "  Thou  knowest,"  is  a  swee 
expression  in  the  ears  of  a  prayer-hearing  God. 
It  gives  the  soul  a  confidence  and  an  earnest- 
ness, when  pleading  for  itself,  or  for  others. 
6 


e»  ADVICE  TO  A 

You  will  find,  my  young  friend,  strong  tempt- 
ations to  be  superficial  and  hurried  in  your 
prayers.  Your  enemies  will  suggest  some  en- 
gagements which  will  preclude  or  cut  short 
your  supplications.  They  will  insinuate,  that  all 
this  meditation  is  unnecessary.  If  in  these  at- 
tacks they  prevail,  you  will  immediately  per- 
ceive an  insincerity  in  your  prayers.  You  will 
find  yourself,  at  times,  wishing  the  prayer  was 
over ;  and  uttering  it,  rather  as  a  sedative  to 
conscience,  than  as  the  supreme  delight  of 
your  soul.  You  will  then,  indeed,  come  like  a 
slave  to  the  altar ;  and,  having  performed  to 
conscience,  as  to  an  unrelenting  tyrant,  the  ac- 
customed task,  you  will  be  glad  of  a  speedy 
relief.  You  may  even  find  yourself,  at  times, 
uttering  words  and  forms,  of  the  meaning  of 
which,  while  your  heart  is  wandering  on  for- 
bidden objects,  you  are  totally  unconscious. 
This  is  sinful  in  the  extreme. 

May  you  never  arrive  at  this  melancholy 
pitch  of  insult,  and  of  mockery ! 

Yield  not,  dear  young  friend,  to  the  power 
of  the  tempter.  Give  him  no  advantage  over 
you ;  dispute  every  inch  of  ground  ;  instead  of 
retreating,  advance ;  instead  of  relaxing,  brace 
anew  your  nerves  for  the  conflict.     Take  the 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  63 

whole  armour  of  God.  Look  upward  for  grace 
and  strength  to  wield  it.  March  forward  to  the 
"wicket  gate,"  and  to  the  glory  that  lies  be- 
yond. Keep  your  eye  steadily  on  the  Captain 
of  your  salvation.  Where  His  banners  wave, 
be  you  found,  though  it  be  in  the  thickest  of  the 
fight ;  and  soon,  yes  soon,  your  trials  will  be 
over ;  your  victory  will  be  won ;  and  you  will 
have  nought  to  do,  but  to  lay  aside  your  wea- 
pons, and  sing  the  note  of  eternal  triumph. 


V«  ABTicrir  yo  ^ 


LETTER  VIL 


In  my  last,  I  recommended  earnestness  and 
incerity,  as  necessary  to  acceptable  prayer. 
The  third  particular  which  I  mentioned  was, 
faith  in  the  promises. 

Does  not  your  Bible,  m}'  young  friend,  insist 
upon  this  ?  Does  it  not  declare,  that  he  who 
Cometh  to  God,  "  must  believe  that  he  is,  and 
that  he  is  the  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently 
seek  him  ?"  Does  it  not  compare  to  the  fluc- 
tuation of  the  restless  wave,  that  prayer  which 
is  offered  without  faith  ?  And  does  it  not  assert, 
that,  without  faith,  it  is  impossible  to  please 
Him  ?  But  w^hat  is  meant  by  faith  in  the  pro- 
mises, methinks  I  hear  you  say.  How  shall  I 
know,  when  I  incorporate  this  faith  in  my  pe  - 
tition  ?  It  is  not  necessary,  my  young  friend, 
that  you  know  it ;  but  it  is  necessary,  and  even 
indispensable,  that  you  have  it. 

There  is  afloat,  a  spurious  and  vain-confident 
feeling,  that  mistakes  presumption  for  faith. 
This  sometimes  appears  in  communities,  which 
are  visited  by  the  special  influences  of  thie 
Holy  Spirit.  Ignorant  and  proud  enthusiasts, 
take  advantage  of  excited  feelings,  and  sow 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  65 

(he  tares  of  error,  while  the  servant  of  Jesus  is 
scattering  the  seeds  of  truth.  Some  have  de- 
clared, that,  in  praying  for  a  blessing,  we 
had  only  to  believe  that  it  would  be  granted, 
and  success  was  certain.  In  praying  for  an  in- 
dividual, all  we  had  to  do  was  to  be  certain  in 
our  own  minds,  that  the  individual  would  be 
converted,  and  it  would  be  so.  "When  I  look 
at  the  spirit  which  such  people  evince,  and  find 
little  of  the  meekness  and  humility  of  the  gos- 
pel, I  view  it  as  presumptive  evidence  against 
their  characters,  and  their  opinions.  When  Da- 
vid prayed  for  the  life  of  his  child,  though  with 
deep  humility  and  earnestness,  it  was  not  spa- 
red. When  Paul  thrice  besought  the  Lord  for 
the  removal  of  a  grievous  affliction,  the  prayer 
was  heard,  and  answered  on  the  soul ;  but  not 
as  he  had  expected,  on  the  body.  The  prayer  of 
faith  is  never  lost.  It  is  invariably  answered. 
But  to  assert  that  it  will  be  answered  in  the 
particular  way,  or  for  the  particular  thing  which 
we  have  expected,  is  both  anti-scriptural  and 
presumptuous.  Here  lies  the  error  of  these 
enthusiasts.  One  step  farther  would  make  them 
claim  inspiration. 

When  we  come  to  the  throne  of  grace,  we 
come,  not  to  dictate,  but  to  supplicate.     God^ 
6* 


^  ADVICE  TO  A 

in  his  word,  has  given  us  a  warrant  to  pray  for 
all  spiritual,  and  many  temporal  favours.  In 
praying  for  the  former,  we  may,  and  must,  be 
importunate  and  persevering  until  death.  In 
respect  to  the  latter,  we  must  be  submissive ; 
and  ever  add,  if  it  will  be  for  thy  glory,  and  the 
interests  of  my  soul.  When  you  pray,  there- 
fore, for  spiritual  blessings,  you  know  that  your 
prayer  is  according  to  the  will  of  God.  If  it  be 
sincere,  and  presented  with  an  exclusive  refe- 
rence to  the  mediation  of  Christ,  it  will,  it 
must  be  answered.  I  do  not  say,  that  the  very 
things  you  ask,  and  in  the  precise  way  and 
time  in  which  you  look  for  them,  will  be  re- 
ceived. Not  at  all.  But  still  I  say  your  prayer 
will  be  answered.  We  are  short-sighted  crea- 
tures. We  often  suppose  that  we  know  what 
is  best  for  us,  and  would  fain  have,  in  our  own 
hands,  the  management  of  our  spiritual  and 
temporal  affairs.  But,  recollect  the  "  ring." 
It  is  not  for  us  to  keep  it.  It  is  in  the  hands 
of  God,  There  only,  is  it  safe.  There,  no  foe 
can  reach  it,  and  no  fears  need  be  entertained 
of  its  security. 

Recollect,  then,  that  it  is  yours  to  believe. 
It  is  God's  to  plan  and  to  execute.  Confidence 
in  Gcd*s  veracity,  and  wisdom,  and  goodness. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  67 

is  the  main  ingredient  in  this  prayer  of  faith. 
Say  in  the  fullness  of  your  confidence,  I  plead 
for  this  thing,  O  God.  Although  it  may  not 
be  given  by  Thee  in  a  manner,  and  at  a  time, 
which  I  expect,  still  I  plead  thy  promise ;  and 
I  know  Thou  art  faithful  to  hear  and  answer 
prayer. 

Permit  me  to  recur  again  to  my  own  experi- 
ence, and  I  am  not  alone  in  this  experience. 
KnoAving  that  I  was  in  a  backslidden  state,  and 
feeling  that  for  months  there  had  been  a  me- 
lancholy distance  between  God  and  my  soul,  I 
gave  myself  to  prayer.  I  entreated  God  to  re- 
claim me,  to  give  me  repentance,  and  a  more 
entire  consecration  of  soul  and  body  to  his  ser- 
vice. I  knew  that  these  were  blessings  which 
were  according  to  the  will  of  God,  and  I  knew 
that  he  had  promised  in  his  word,  to  answer 
prayer  for  such  blessings.  With  the  hope  that 
I  entertained  of  being  in  covenant  with  him, 
how  could  I  doubt  that  he  would  answer  the 
prayer  for  sanctification?  But  I  verily  suppo- 
sed, that  it  would  be  by  a  direct  influence  of 
the  Spirit  on  the  heart.  I  expected  that,  in 
some  favoured  moment,  perhaps  while  I  was 
then  praying,  God  would  send  down  a  holy  in- 
fluence, irradiate  the  darkened  mind,  melt  the 


68  ADVICE  TO  A 

hard  heart,  purify  the  sordid  affections,  and  ar- 
rest and  reclaim  the  wanderer.  This  he  might 
have  done.  This  he  sometimes  does  in  the 
case  of  others  ;  but  it  was  not  thus  he  answer- 
ed my  prayer. 

When  that  season  of  earnest  supplication 
had  passed  aAvay,  and  was  almost  forgotten,  he 
stretched  me  upon  a  bed  of  affliction,  and  filled 
my  mind  with  darkness,  and  my  body  with  tor- 
turing pains.  Every  expedient  was  tried  to  al- 
leviate, but  the  waves  and  the  billows  rolled 
deeper  and  darker.  Why  is  it,  I  was  then  led 
to  inquire,  that  God's  hand  is  pressed  so  heavily 
upon  me?  Look  back,  my  soul,  upon  thy  pride, 
thy  worldly-mindedness,  thy  ambition,  thy  sen- 
suality, thy  neglect  of  duty.  Do  not  these  com- 
pose the  cloud  that  envelopes  thee  ?  are  they 
not  the  pains  that  rack  thee  ?  Hast  thou  not 
forsaken  "  the  fountain  of  living  waters  ?" 
Then,  like  the  prodigal's,  my  eyes  were  filled 
with  penitential  tears ;  and  I  said,  God  is  answer- 
ing my  prayer  for  humility,  for  spirituality,  for 
meekness,  for  more  entire  devotedness. 

Happy  is  that  soul  who  can  say :  Oh  Lord, 
sanctify  me,  if  it  be  by  fire.  Sanctify  me,  even 
if  it  be  through  the  deep  waters  of  affliction. 

I  cite  this  example  to  show,  that  our  prayers 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  69 

must  be  offered,  and  offered  in  confidence.  But 
the  way  and  the  time  of  their  being  answered, 
it  is  not  for  us  to  dictate.  We  may  take  any 
promise  in  the  word  of  God,  and  with  the  con- 
fidence of  children  go  to  Him,  and  say,  our 
Father,  hast  thou  not  said  thus,  and  dost  thou 
not  say  this  to  me  ?  Let  me  then  remind  thee, 
O  thou  covenant-keeping  God,  of  these  am- 
ple promises,  and  let  me  beseech  thee  to  fulfil 
them  all  in  thy  servant ;  and  in  thine  own  way 
let  them  be  verified  in  my  complete  salvation ! 


70  ADVICE  TO  A 

LETTER  VIII. 

It  was  not  my  intention  to  extend  my  re- 
marks to  so  great  a  length  on  the  nature  of 
prayer ;  but  I  have  been  insensibly  led  along, 
by  my  anxiety  to  impress  upon  your  mind  the 
importance  of  the  subject.  By  personal  ex- 
perience, I  have,  I  trust,  learned  its  value.  I 
have  been  able  to  trace  every  spiritual  declen- 
sion to  the  closet.  When  the  enemies  of  my 
soul  have  triumphed,  I  could  distinctly  see  that 
my  armour  had  not  been  furbished  by  prayer. 
When  the  sweet  serenity  of  conscious  forgive- 
ness, a  calm  sense  of  Divine  favour  has  depart- 
ed, and  the  restless  tumult  of  passion  has  suc- 
ceeded, the  sweet  spirit,  I  knew  full  well,  had 
not,  with  fervency,  been  wooed  to  my  bosom. 

As  well  might  we  expect  vegetation  to  spring 
from  the  earth  without  the  sunshine  or  the 
dew,  as  the  Christian  to  unfold  his  graces,  and 
advance  in  his  course,  without  patient,  perse- 
vering, and  ardent  prayer.  The  throne  of 
grace  must  be  your  home,  your  dearest,  hap- 
piest home.  If  unavoidably  detained  from  your 
accustomed  visits  to  the  sweet  retreat,  O, 
may  you  5«el,  like  the  dove  that  fluttered  anx- 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  71 

Sously  around  the  ark,  that,  on  earth,  there  is 
nought  that  is  stable,  on  which  to  rest  your 
weary  foot.  And,  when  you  again  find  the 
consecrated  spot,  may  your  tears  of  joy,  min- 
gle with  those  of  penitence,  as  you  throw  your- 
self anew  into  the  arms  of  your  Father  and 
-your  Friend. 

In  my  last,  I  spoke  of  praying  with  faith  in 
the  promises ;  so  that  I  have  now  glanced  at 
the  three  important  particulars,  necessary  in 
acceptable  prayer. 

The  second  inquiry,  for  what  you  should 
pray,  needs,  it  appears  to  me,  but  little  consi- 
deration, if  you  have  been  taught  of  the  Spirit. 
The  Apostle  says,  "we  know  not  what  we 
should  pray  for  as  we  ought,"  but  "  the  Spirit 
helpeth  our  infirmities."  It  would  not,  there- 
fore, become  me,  to  enumerate  the  particulars 
which  should  form  the  subject  matter  of  your 
praycrF.  If  the  holy  Spirit  has  wrought  in 
your  soul  a  deep  conviction  of  your  depravity, 
you  will  wrestle  with  God  for  its  removal. 
"Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God,  and  re- 
new a  right  spirit  within  me."  If  you  are  sud- 
denly betrayed  into  sin,  and  your  conscience 
feel  the  heavy  load,  you  will  exclaim,  "  O 
Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity,  for  it  is  great."  If 


92  ADVICE  TO  A 

your  heart  be  sluggish  in  duty,  you  will,  oi 
course,  and  from  necessity,  pray,  "quicken  me, 
O  Lord,  and  I  will  run  in  the  ways  of  thy 
commandments."  If  you  love  the  kingdom  ol 
Christ,  you  will  pray  earnestly,  and  with  faith, 
for  its  coming.  If  you  feel  for  the  perishing 
condition  of  sinners,  you  will  commend  themj 
with  tears,  to  the  mercy  of  your  God. 

But  your  prayers  will  not  be  thus  general.  II 
you  ever,  as  I  trust  you  ^vill,  become  a  noble 
and  devoted  Christian ;  if  you  mean  to  put 
your  feet  in  the  warm  tracks  of  a  Newell  or  a 
Huntington,  your  prayers  will  often  be  pro- 
tracted and  particular.  You  will  pray  for  bless- 
ings on  your  own  soul,  on  your  parents,  on 
your  sisters,  on  your  neighbourhood,  on  the 
world.  Your  ardent  mind,  steeped  in  benevo* 
lence,  will  hold  a  familiar  and  holy  intercourse 
"with  your  Father  in  heaven.  Not  an  anxiety 
will  you  feel,  but  you  will  communicate  it ;  not 
a  reasonable  wish  will  you  indulge,  but  you 
will  express  it;  not  a  known  duty  will  you  dis- 
cover, but  you  will  pray  for  grace  to  perform 
it.  To  enter  into  further  particulars,  would 
be  unnecessary.  The  Christian  has  every  day 
new  sins  to  confess,  new  duties  to  perform, 


\0t7NG  CHRISTIAN.  73 

new  temptations  to  encounter;  requiring,  of 
course,  new  modifications  of  prayer  and  praise. 
But  one  subject,  let  me  entreat  you  never  to 
forget.  It  is  the  rising  glory  of  our  Immanuel's 
kingdom.  Say,  with  David,  or  rather  with 
those  weeping  captives  who  were  mingling 
their  tears  with  the  waters  of  Babylon  :  "If  I 
forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  let  my  right  hand 
forget  her  cunning ;  if  I  do  not  remember  thee, 
let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth  ; 
if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my  chief  joy." 
You  live  in  a  day  of  wonders.  Your  being) 
perhaps,  has  opened  in  the  millennial  morn.  It 
is  possible  you  may  live  to  see  its  full-orbed 
splendours.  O,  then,  in  every  prayer,  re- 
member Zion  ;  remember  the  heathen  who  sit 
in  the  valley  and  shadow  of  spiritual  death. 
Take  an  enlarged  view  of  this  subject ;  read 
the  promises  which  secure  to  our  Redeemer 
the  whole  habitable  globe  ;  peruse  them  until 
your  soul  is  fired  with  the  prospect.  Then  go 
to  the  mercy-seat,  and  plead  for  their  fulfilment* 
Go,  bear  on  your  heart  a  sinking  world.  Let 
your  whole  soul  be  drawn  forth  on  this  glori- 
ous subject.  If  it  be  not  your  lot  to  carry  the 
glad  tidings  to  the  benighted,  sustain,  by  your 
prayers,  the  hands  and  the  hearts  of  those. 


74  ADVlCfi  TO  A 

whose  are  the  privilege  and  the  glory.  Say  not, 
I  am  a  poor  insignificant  creature ;  what  will 
tny  prayers  avail  ?  Ah  !  if  every  Christian  were 
thus  to  reason,  what  would  become  of  our 
Zion  ?  Have  you  an  interest  at  the  throne  of 
grace  in  your  own  behalf ?  do  you  hope  so? 
and,  believing  so,  do  you  act  accordingly  ?  then 
hav^e  you  also  an  interest  there  in  behalf  of  a 
perishing  world.  That  interest  you  must  use. 
By  all  the  prospective  glories  of  the  Messiah, 
1  beseech  you  to  use  it.  By  all  the  deep  and 
inconceivable  miseries  of  the  heathen ;  by  the 
probability  of  their  condemnation  ;  and  by  the 
possibility  of  their  deliverance,  I  conjure  you 
to  use  it.  Whatever  you  forget,  forget  not  the 
millions  who  are  perishing  for  lack  of  vision. 
Forget  not  the  self-denied  missionary  who  has 
gone  to  relieve  them  ;  forget  not  the  societies 
which  are  pledged  to  this  holy  enterprise.  T  he 
day  is  coming,  when  this  subj'^ct  will  hold  a 
prominence  in  our  supplications ;  when  the 
prayer,  "  Thy  kingdom  come,"  will  come  gush- 
ing from  the  heart,  and  be  reiterated  with  an 
earnestness  which  shall  indicate  its  near  ap- 
proach, and  be  prophetic  of  its  universality. 

You  see  from  my  protracted  remarks  on  this 
subject,  that  I  consider  prayer  the  life  and  soul 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  75 

of  the  Cliristian.  To  the  young  Christian,  I 
cannot  too  urgently  press  its  importance. 
Prayer  is  the  key  of  heaven.  O,  what  has  it 
not  done  ?  By  it,  Elijah  shut  up  the  skies,  and 
no  dew  nor  rain  descended  on  the  guilty  land. 
By  it,  Jacob  placed  a  ladder  between  heaven 
and  earth,  and  formed  a  communication  for 
angels.  By  it,  Daniel  shut  up  the  mouths  of 
ferocious  lions ;  Sampson  shook  the  pillars  of 
Philistia's  temple  ;  and  Peter  was  delivered 
from  prison.  Prayer  is  a  mighty  weapon  in 
the  hands  of  the  weakest.  Use  it  then ;  never, 
O,  never,  yield  up  this  weapon. 

In  my  next,  I  shall  offer  a  ^ew  remarks  on 
the  third  question,  when  should  we  pray  ? 


7(^  ADVICE  TO  A 

LETTER  IX. 

I  SHALL  make  but  a  few  additional  obserTa 
tions,  my  young  friend,  on  the  subject  of  prayer  ^ 
although,  I  confess,  my  pen  would  pursue  the 
delightful  theme,  through  many  pages  more. 

The  apostle  commands  us  to  "  pray  without 
ceasing."  Are  we  by  this  to  understand,  that 
every  moment  of  our  time  is  to  be  spent  in 
prayer  ?  This,  undoubtedly,  is  not  his  meaning. 
The  import  of  the  exhortation  is,  omit  not  this 
important  duty ;  be  regular  and  punctual  in 
your  daily  visits  to  the  altar;  and  see  to  it  that 
you  continually  preserve  a  prayerful  frame  of 
spirit.  No  person  can  plead  for  a  more  strict 
interpretation  of  the  passage,  than  this.  It  im- 
plies all  that  the  apostle  meant  to  inculcate ' 
and,  be  assured,  that  if  you  persevere  in  such 
a  course,  you  will  not  subject  yourself  to  the 
charge  of  "  casting  off  fear,  and  restraining 
prayer  before  God." 

The  seasons  of  prayer  are  stated  and  occa- 
sional, ordinary  and  extraordinary.  No  Chris- 
tian can  maintain  a  close  walk  with  God  ;  none 
can  keep  alive  the  hallowed  fire  of  the  soul, 
without  daily  kindling  it  afresh  at  the  altar. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  77 

None  can  grow  in  knowledge  and  holiness, 
without  stated  and  regular  seasons  of  prayer. 
"  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread,"  implies  as 
much  the  aliment  of  the  soul,  as  the  nourish- 
ment of  the  body.  The  one  can  no  more  live 
in  health  and  vigour,  ^vithout  prayer,  than  the 
other  without  food. 

It  ia  usual  to  recommend  the  morning  and 
the  evtning,  as  the  most  suitable  seasons  for 
prayer.  In  this,  I  fully  concur.  There  appears 
to  be  s.jmething  peculiarly  appropriate,  in  this 
arrangement  of  duty. 

When  the  darkness  has  passed,  and  the  light 
has  again  dawned  upon  the  earth  ;  when  we 
rise  from  our  couch,  and  find  our  faculties  in- 
vigorated by  the  restoring  slumbers  of  the 
night ;  when  we  view  the  beauties  of  the  morn- 
ing landscape,  listen  to  the  melody  of  birds, 
and  feel  the  balmy  breath  of  nature,  playing 
coolly  and  sweetly  around  us ;  when  praiso 
and  thanksgiving  to  God,  seem  inscribed  upon 
every  feature  of  a  revived  world  :  how  can  we 
be  silent !  how  withhold  the  burst  of  rapturous 
adoration !  These  scenes,  I  am  aware,  awaken 
no  such  feelings  in  the  hearts  of  multitudes. 
They  gaze  on  them,  it  is  true ;  but  they  re- 
cognize not  the  hand  that  formed  them.  They 
7* 


78  ADVICE  TO  A 

feel  no  thrill  of  gratitude,  nor  offer  one  note 
of  praise.  Not  so  with  the  Christian.  To  him 
they  convey  a  lesson,  through  the  eye,  to  the 
soul ;  and  lead  him  "  from  nature  up  to  nature's 
God." 

How  proper,  then,  my  young  friend,  is  the 
morning,  for  secret  converse  with  your  God ! 
It  is  your  privilege  to  reside  in  the  country. 
You  live  amid  nature's  magnificence.  The  un 
obstructed  arch  of  heaven  is  your  canopy.  For 
your  eye,  the  forest  waves,  the  meadows  smile, 
the  garden  unfolds  its  beauties,  and  spring  and 
summer  vie  in  their  efforts  to  regale  youi 
senses.  You  are  not  crowded  into  a  noisy  and 
profligate  city,  and  shut  out  from  almost  every 
thing  that  is  pleasant  to  the  eye,  and  calming 
to  the  soul.  No, .  you  dwell,  as  it  were,  with 
God,  and  among  his  glorious  works.  Let  your 
first  hours,  therefore,  be  his.  Let  not  sloth 
nail  you  to  your  couch,  when  all  nature  invites 
you  to  awake  and  join  the  general  concert  of 
praise.  "  Awake,  psaltery  and  harp,"  must  be 
your  language  ;  "  I,  myself,  will  awake  early." 
Mary  found  lier  way  to  the  sepulchre,  ere  the 
day  dawned;  nor  wept  at  that  sepulchre  in  vain. 

Early  devotions  are  all-important.  They  are 
SO,  because  they  afford  time  to  attend,  without 


yOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  79 

distraction,  to  the  secular  duties  of  the  morn- 
ing. As  the  day  breaks,  summon  your  recol- 
lections, and  rise  with  the  rising  light.  Give 
your  first  hours  to  God.  Pour  out  your  soul 
before  him  in  gratitude  for  nocturnal  blessings, 
and  throw  yourself  on  his  protection  for  the 
day.  Be  assured,  this  early  application  to  his 
throne,  will  distil  upon  the  soul,  a  peace  and  a 
serenity,  that  shall  not  depart ;  but  shall  gild 
every  look  and  action,  and  make  the  day  glide 
onward  smoothly  and  happily.  You  will  thus 
allow  yourself  time,  and  not  be  hurried  in  your 
prayers.  You  will  also  be  free  from  interrup- 
tions, and  the  fear  of  them.  This  is  all-impor- 
tant to  a  right  discharge  of  sacred  duties.  It 
is  indispensable  that  the  mind  should  be  free 
from  solicitude  and  cares  :  and  there  is  no  time 
in  the  day,  that  will  so  secure  to  you  that  free- 
dom, as  the  early  part  of  it. 

Arise  so  early  as  to  allow  yourself  half  an 
hour  for  the  performance  of  your  morning  de- 
votions :  more,  if  your  soul  desire  it.  It  is 
good  to  stipulate  with  yourself  for  half  an  hour. 
The  devotions  of  many  are  insipid,  and  bur- 
densome, and  unacceptable,  because  they  have 
no  definite  time  allotted  for  their  performance 
They  snatch  a  few  moments  in  the  morning, 


80  ADVICE  TO  A 

and  hurry  through  a  form  of  prayer ;  which, 
though  for  the  time  it  may  pacify  the  con- 
science, yet,  in  the  end,  it  accumulates  theii 
guilt.  They  do  not  make  a  business  of  prayer. 
This  is  the  great  reason  why  the  exercise  is  a 
burden.  Now,  avoid  this,  my  young  friend,  by 
having  an  early  hour,  and  always  occupying 
the  full  time,  in  a  constant  and  conscientious 
attention  to  your  devotional  duties.  You  will 
find  by  experience,  that  there  is  a  great  advan- 
tage in  being  thus  systematic.  It  will  tend 
greatly  to  elevate  your  standard  of  piety,  and 
make  you,  not  a  lean  and  desultory,  but  a  con- 
sistent and  growing  Christian. 

In  your  evening  devotions,  I  should  advise 
you  to  occupy,  as  a  general  rule,  as  much  time 
as  in  the  morning.  I  kno\v  that  circumstances 
must  be  regarded ;  but  I  would  endeavour  to 
secure  at  least  half  an  hour  in  the  evening. 
Let  this  hour  not  be  the  last  before  retiring  ; 
because,  generally,  the  body  is  too  much  wea- 
ried, and  the  mind,  by  sympathy,  too  drowsy, 
to  make  devotion  any  thing  but  a  task  and  a 
burden.  Let  it  be  early  in  the  evening.  If  the 
hour  of  sunset  is  most  convenient,  let  it  be  then. 
This  was  the  time  at  which  the  p^itriarch  Isaac 
was  engaged  in  meditation  and  prayer,  and  it 


^^^xy,ix  CHRISTIAN.  81 

certainly  is  a  very  appropriate  and  delightful 
hour. 

How  proper  and  pleasant  is  it  to  sit  down 
at  evening,  and  review  the  mercies  of  the  day, 
call  in  the  thoughts  from  distracting  occupa- 
tions, and  then  pour  the  whole  soul  into  the 
bosom  of  God.  How  dehghtful  to  seek  our 
pillow,  when,  having  bathed  anew  in  the  foun- 
tain of  Immanuel's  blood,  we  feel  a  conscious- 
ness of  pardon,  and  a  hope  full  of  immortali- 
ty !  Our  slumbers  then  are  sweet  and  refresh- 
ing. No  visions  of  guilt,  no  fearful  anticipa- 
tions,  distort  the  unconscious  muscles,  or  heave 
the  troubled  bosom.  These  are  the  tortures  of 
guilty  impenitence.  They  are  the  scourges 
of  a  conscience  unpacified  by  the  blood  of 
atonement — the  forebodings  of  that  dreadful 
doom  that  awaits  all  who  continue  unreconci- 
led to  God,  by  the  death  of  his  Son.  ! 

One  more  letter  shall  close  my  remarks  on 
this  subject. 


^' 


ADVICE  TO  A 


LETTER  X- 


A  Christian  who  aims  at  an  elevated  stand- 
rd  of  piety,  will  not  always  be  satisfied  with 
the  morning  and  evening  sacrifice. 

The  most  eminent  Christians  have  followed 
tlie  example  of  David,  who,  in  asserting  his 
perseverance  in  prayer,  exclaims,  "morning 
and  evening,  and  at  noon,  will  I  call  upon 
thee."  And  is  this  too  much  ?  I  am  persuaded, 
my  young  friend,  that,  to  a  soul  who  pants  af- 
ter increasing  conformity  to  God,  it  is  not  too 
much.  It  may  not  always  be  convenient,  to 
pray  three  times  a  day ;  but  where  it  is,  I  pro- 
mise the  individual,  he  will  be  no  loser  by  the 
exercise.  The  aliment  of  the  body  may  be  ta- 
ken too  often,  and  in  too  great  quantities,  for 
the  h-ealth  of  the  constitution :  but  not  so  that 
of  the  soul.  There  is  no  danger  of  satiety  or 
repletion,  here.  You  may  drink,  and  drink 
again,  at  the  waters  of  ''fe ;  you  may  banquet, 
and  return  again  and  banquet.  The  soul  will 
thrive  proportionably.  The  food,  instead  of  be- 
ing loathed,  will  have  the  keener  relish,  and  ad- 
minister increasing  nourishment,  until  you  grow 
up  to  the  stature  of  the  perfect,  in  Christ  Jesus. 


YOrNG  CHRISTIAN.  83 

A  Christian  of  exalted  piety,  will  carry  a 
prayerful  frame  of  spirit  throughout  the  dajr. 
lie  will  not  make  I  is  stated  devotions,  the  be- 
ginning and  the  ending  of  his  religion.  Such 
is  the  conduct  of  the  hypocrite,  and  the  formal- 
ist. But  the  Christian  imbibes  a  portion  of 
heaven,  which  he  continually  carries  in  his 
countenance,  and  exhibits  in  his  deportment. 
Thoujrh  walkin"^  amid  the  avocations  of  secu- 
lar  life,  lie  still  walks  with  God.  As  a  matter 
of  duty,  he  descends  from  his  elevation,  to 
perform  his  part  in  the  concerns  of  this  sublu- 
nary world ;  but  his  soul  is  not  here.  His 
higher  affections  are  calmly  ascending  to  God. 
The  silent  ejaculation,  supplies  his  necessary 
abs'^nce  from  the  throne  of  grace  ;  and  is,  if 
you  vrill  allow  me  the  comparison,  a  sort  of  in- 
formal repast  to  the  soul. 

The  most  eminent  saints  have  been  noted 
for  frequent  ejaculatory  petitions.  A  temptation 
suddenly  shoots  across  the  mind — send  upward 
the  silent  prayer  for  deliverance.  You  are 
about  entering  into  dangerous  circumstances — 
look  upward  for  protection.  Your  feet  have 
just  touched  the  threshold  of  God's  temple — O, 
then  breathe  upward  for  his  spirit  and  his  pre- 
eence.     If  your  soul  be  attuned  to  devotion. 


84  ADVICE  TO  A 

you  will  live  and  breathe  as  in  the  presence  of 
God,  and  travel  through  this  wilderness,  lean- 
ing on  the  arm  of  your  beloved. 

In  addition  to  this,  I  would  urge  the  duty  of 
extraordinary  and  special  seasons  of  prayer.  I 
find  such  seasons  warranted  by  the  Scriptures, 
and  their  importance  attested  by  the  experi- 
ence of  the  most  eminent  Sain-ts,  in  all  ages  of 
the  church.  There  are  lapses  of  the  soul,  which 
can  only  be  counteracted  by  special  and  extra- 
ordinary prayer.  There  are  temptations,  which 
at  times,  so  beset  and  harass  the  mind,  as  to 
call  for  special  means.  There  are  afflictive 
dispensations,  which  require  them.  There  are 
perplexities  as  to  the  path  of  duty,  which  they 
only  can  remove.  Hence,  if  you  will  note 
the  biography  of  the 'most  eminently  pious, 
you  will  find  that  special  seasons  of  fasting, 
humiliation,  and  prayer,  have  been  accompa- 
nied with  an  increase  of  grace,  a  deeper  ac- 
quaintance with  the  heart,  a  more  spiritual  in- 
tercourse with  God,  more  glorious  views  of 
divine  truth,  and  a  surer  hope  of  a  blessed  im- 
mortality. 

I  think  I  can  say,  without  hesitation,  that 
the  most  exalted  attamments,  have  been  made 
by  such  means.      Such  extraordinary  season? 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  86 

of  prayer,  are  peculiarly  acceptable  to  God.  It 
was  such,  accompanied  by  a  sanctifying  influ- 
ence, that  formed  the  high  character  of  Brain - 
erd,  and  of  Martyn. 

If  you  desire  their  piety,  neglect  not  the 
means  by  which  they  attained  to  it.  If  you  ad- 
mire their  character,  then  imitate  their  devo- 
tion and  self-denial.  There  is  no  obstacle,  that 
may  not  be  surmounted,  to  hinder  you  even 
from  outstripping  them.  The  prize  is  before 
you.  The  race  is  pointed  out.  See,  at  its 
termination,  a  crown  of  glory,  beaming  in  your 
Saviour's  hands.  Does  it  not  fire  your  soul  ^ 
Does  it  not  fill  your  eye  ?  Does  it  not  brace 
smew  your  nerves  ?  Fix  your  eye  on  the  mark 
of  the  prize  of  your  high  calling.  Consider  all 
the  ground  you  have  passed,  as  nothing,  so  long 
as  the  goal  is  still  at  a  distance;  so  long  as  you 
come  short  of  perfection  in  Christ  Jesus. 

But  I  have  one  remark,  before  I  dismiss  this 
subject.  It  is  this.  Let  nothing,  if  possible, 
hinder  you,  in  the  performance  of  your  regular 
devotions,  from  occupying  your  allotted  season 
of  prayer.  When  the  'love  of  God  is  on  the 
wane,  and  that  of  the  world  is  waxing  stronger, 
a  trifling  excuse  will  satisfy  tlfe  conscience  for 
the  ne^rlect  of  this  all-important  duty.     May 


86  ADVICE  TO  A 

such  never  be  your  case.  Such  a  state  is  re» 
plete  with  danger,  and  often  a  precursor  to  a 
melancholy  and  disgraceful  fall.  The  soul  that 
is  bent  on  duty,  and  to  whom  prayer  is  a  de* 
lightful  privilege,  will  seldom  be  hindered  from 
its  performance.  No  trifling  excuse  will  be 
heeded ;  and  if  necessity  for  a  time  bar  up  the 
sacred  enclosure,  the  heart  will  sicken  at  the 
void,  which  is  created  by  a  temporary  absence 
from  the  hallowed  spot.  When  that  necessity 
can  be  removed,  how  will  the  soul  leap  forward 
to  its  dearest  earthly  home !  It  will  seem  doubly 
sweet,  for  the  temporary  hinderance.  The  soul 
will  say,  as  it  lays  itself  beneath  the  altar,  O, 
blessed  privilege!  How  long  does  it  appear 
since  I  last  enjoyed  thee  !  How  delightful  to  lay 
my  head  on  this  dear  support,  and  feel  that  I  am 
again  alone  with  my  Redeemer  and  my  friend! 

Such  will  be  the  language  of  the  saint,  when 
debarred  for  a  time  from  the  throne  of  grace. 

Situated  as  you  now  are^  you  are  in  a  mea- 
sure free  from  the  fear  of  such  interruptions. 
But  you  will  soon  be  ushered  into  a  new  sphere. 
You  will  soon  find  yourself  surrounded  by 
companions,  to  whom  you  must  pay  the  ordina- 
ry civilities  of  fife.  Then  will  you  need  this 
advice ;  nay,  vou  will  need  the  supporting  hand 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  97 

*f  God,  to  keep  you  from  dishonouring  your 
profession,  and  forgetting  the  solemn  vows 
you  have  recorded.  Then  if  you  persevere  in 
the  course  which  I  have  marked  out,  it  will 
be  evident  that  I  have  not  written  in  vain,  and 
that  what  I  have  written,  has  been  attended 
with  more  than  human  efficacy. 

Little  do  you  know,  as  yet,  of  your  own 
heart ;  little  do  you  realize  the  seducing  influ- 
ence of  the  world,  and  the  artful  insinuations 
of  Satan.  But  if  you  will  cling  to  the  counsel 
I  have  given,  and  commit  your  soul  to  the 
keeping  of  your  Redeemer,  those  temptations 
you  shall  meet,  immoveable  as  the  rock  that 
beats  back  the  angry  billow — you  shall  walk 
unhurt  amid  the  flames — you  shall  be  covered 
with  a  panoply,  impervious  to  attack — you  shall 
weather  out  the  storm  in  safety — and  at  last, 
when  your  temptations  and  trials  are  over,  you 
shall  sing,  eternally  sing,  unto  Him  who  hath 
loved  me,  and  washed  me  from  my  sins,  in  His 
own  blood;  to  him  "be  glory  and  dominion 
for  ever  and  ever." 


88  ADVICE  TO  A 

LETTER  XI. 

You  will  recollect,  my  young  friend,  that  I 
proposed  to  direct  you  to  the  attainment  of  an 
elevated  standard  of  piety.  In  the  course  of  my 
remarks,  you  must  ever  bear  in  mind,  I  am  sug- 
gesting only  the  important  means  and  methods 
of  such  attainment.  Ever  recollect,  that  with- 
out the  Spirit's  influence,  the  Christian  can  no 
more  advance  in  holiness,  than  the  sinner  re- 
pent and  believe  ;  and  yet  the  former  will  be 
guilty  for  not  advancing,  and  the  latter  for  not 
complying  with  the  demands  of  the  gospel. 

The  three  grand  helps  towards  the  point  at 
which  you  aim,  are  prayer,  self-examination, 
and  a  close  and  diligent  perusal  of  the  scrip- 
tures. The  first  topic  has  been  already  dis 
cussed.  Imperfectly  as  it  has  been  set  forth, 
I  trust  you  are  deeply  convinced  of  its  import- 
ance ;  and  I  shall,  therefore,  briefly  attend  to 
the  second ;  viz.  self-examination. 

This  is  a  duty,  as  difficult  as  it  is  important 
Every  Christian  acknowledges  it  to  be  so.  The 
object  of  self-examination  is,  to  obtain  a  cor- 
rect knowledge  of  our  moral  character.  Before 
conversion,  man  is  generally  a  stranger  to  him- 
self.    As  he  comes  forth  from  the  nursery,  he 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  09 

waters  upon  the  reckless  career  of  boyhood. 
His  eye  and  ear  are  all  attention,  as  one  object 
after  another  crowds  upon  his  view.  He  is  full 
of  interrogatories  concerning  the  phenomena, 
both  of  art  and  of  nature.  He  courts  every 
trifle ;  and  when  obtained,  throws  it  away  in 
pursuit  of  another.  But  he  watches  not  the 
operations  of  his  own  mind.  He  is,  indeed, 
all  attention  to  the  busy  world  without ;  but, 
all  inattention  to  the  busy  world  within.  And 
such  will  he  continue  to  be,  when  boyhood 
shall  give  place  to  maturity  ;  unless  the  Holy 
Spirit  turn  his  eye  inward  on  the  soul.  A  phi- 
losopher, he  may  range  through  nature,  and 
collect  and  classify  her  productions,  and  yet 
never  sit  one  solitary  hour  in  severe  judgment 
on  himself.  Such  a  man  is,  in  one  sense,  a 
wise  man,  but  in  another  a  fool.  That  he  is  a 
man  of  knowledge,  no  one  acquainted  with  his 
attainments,  can  deny ;  but,  in  my  opinion,  he 
is  far  from  being  a  man  of  wisdom,  in  the  high- 
est and  noblest  use  of  that  term. 

"  Knowledg"e  and  wisdom,  far  from  heing"  one, 
Have  oft  times  no  connexion.     Knowiodg'e  dwells 
In  heads  replete  with  thoughts  of  other  men ; 
Wisdom  in  minds  attentive  to  their  own. 
Knowledge  is  proud  that  he  has  learned  so  much| 
Wisdom  is  humble  that  he  knows  no  more, 

8* 


90  ADVICE  TO  A 

It  is  surprising,  how  few  persons  are  in  the 
habit  of  attending  to  the  operations  of  their 
own  minds.  The  generality  of  mankind  are 
so  absorbed  in  the  various  pursuits  of  life,  that 
no  opportunity  is  allowed  for  serious  introspec  ^ 
tion.  They  live  in  a  whirlpool  of  cares  ;  and 
to  them,  the  deeper  and  more  boisterous  the 
vortex,  the  better.  They  are  all  hurry  and 
bustle;  business  and  pleasure  swallow  up  every 
thought ;  and  thus  life's  important  hours,  like 
successive  couriers,  chase  each  other  into  eter- 
nity. Hence  you  will  often  find  these  gay 
dreamers,  when  brought  to  a  death-bed,  taking, 
for  the  first  time,  a  direct  and  dreadful  look  at 
themselves.  Life  has  been  frittered  away,  and 
eternity  now  stares  them  into  a  consciousness 
of  their  ruin. 

The  Christian  who  is  taught  of  the  Spirit,  is 
the  only  man  who  can  be  said  to  be  acquainted 
with  himself.  Not  that  he  can  notice  every 
hue  of  moral  feeling  ;  nor  can  he  comprehend 
the  "  mystery  of  iniquity"  that  pervades  the 
heart :  for  it  is  "  deceitful  above  all  things ;  who 
can  know  it?"  But  he  is  so  much  in  the  habit 
of  noticing  his  moral  exercises;  he  so  fiequent- 
ly  communes  with  his  own  heart,  that  he  comes 
at  length  to  an  acquaintance  with  himself;  and 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  91 

can  pranounce,  with  humble  confidence,  on  his 
present  state,  and  his  future  destiny.  Such  a 
character  is  venerable  and  immoveable.  Chan- 
ges may  occur ;  prosperity  or  adversity  may 
come :  but  he  walks  in  too  high  a  region,  to 
be  unduly  elated  by  the  former,  or  sinfully  de- 
pressed by  the  latter.  What  a  calm,  delightful, 
enviable  summit.  It  is  like  the  mountain  co- 
vered with  verdure,  upon  whose  top  rest  the 
mild  beams  of  glory ;  whilst,  in  the  figurative 
language  of  Goldsmith,  the  "midway  storm' 
thunders  and  rages  beneath. 

We  are  expressly  enjoined,  by  the  apostle, 
to  "examine  ourselves" — to  "know  our  own 
selves ;"  for  by  so  doing,  we  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  our  true  characters.  If  Ave  are 
Christians,  we  may,  and  we  must  endeavour, 
to  know  it.  Such  knowledge  will  remove  our 
fears,  and  add  greatly  to  our  comfort.  Some 
I  am  well  aware,  walk  in  darkness  and  in  doubt, 
to  the  end  of  their  journey.  They  see  no  light, 
until  Heaven's  glory  breaks  in  upon  the  soul. 
Such,  no  doubt,  was  the  case  of  the  amiable  and 
pious  Cowper ;  but  his  case  was  a  peculiar  one. 

In  general,  the  knowledge  of  his  personal 
salvation  is  attainable  by  the  Christian.  None 
should  think  of  resting,  until  such  assurance  is 


92  ADVICE  TO  A 

actained.  It  may  not  be  the  will  of  God  to  give 
it,  but  it  is  his  will  that  we  should  strive  for  it. 
If  you  aim  at  an  elevated  standard  of  piety, 
this  will  be  your  mark. 

Some  persons  are  satisfied  with  just  enough 
of  religion,  to  ease  the  conscience  and  give  en- 
coura>gement  for  a  feeble  hope.  They  never 
rise  above  this  grade,  nor  ever  manifest  more 
than  a  sort  of  negative  character.  Self-exami- 
nation, they  utterly  neglect ;  or,  if  they  pretend 
to  practise  it,  they  perform  the  duty  so  seldom 
and  superficially,  as  to  depress,  rather  than  ele- 
vate, their  own  low  and  diminutive  standard. 

Be  thou  not  of  their  number.  Employ  every 
means  to  become  thoroughly  acquainted  with 
your  true  character.  Make  religion  your  grand 
business.  Let  the  soul  be  the  all-absorbing  sub- 
ject of  interest.  How  dreadful  would  it  be,  to 
pass  into  eternity  with  false  hopes  and  mista- 
ken views  !  Determine  to  know  the  worst,  as 
well  as  the  best  of  your  case.  Come  to  a  per- 
sonal investigation,  with  the  spirit  of  an  inflexi- 
ble inquisitor.  Go  into  the  secret  chambers  of 
the  soul,  and  carry  thither  the  touchstone  of 
salvation,  the  torch  of  truth. 

In  my  next,  I  hope  to  enter  a  little  more  mi- 
nutely into  this  subject.     In  the  mean  time,  I 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  93 

commend  you  to  the  grace  of  Him,  who  is  able  to 
build  you  up — to  enable  you  to  go  from  strength 
to  strength — to  fire  your  flagging  zeal — rouse 
the  animating  hope — and  put  within  you  the 
spirit  of  a  self-denied,  all-devoted  Christian. 


94  ADVICE  TO  A 


LETTER  XII. 


The  duty  of  self-examination,  like  that  of 
prayer,  is  both  stated  and  occasional.  The  con- 
scientious Christian,  should  not  suffer  a  single 
day  to  pass,  without  an  investigation  of  his 
moral  character.  At  the  close  of  the  day,  and 
when  about  to  commit  the  keeping  of  his  soul 
to  Him  "who  never  slumbereth  nor  sleepeth," 
he  should  take  a  deliberate  and  serious  retros- 
pect of  the  past.  His  conduct,  and  the  motives 
which  prompted  it,  should  pass  under  investi- 
gation. 

I  cannot,  my  young  friend,  too  strongly  re- 
commend to  you  this  practice.  The  most  emi- 
nent saints  have  been  distinguished  for  it;  and 
I  must  press  upon  you  a  similar  course,  if  you 
would  aim  at  an  elevated  standard  of  piety. 

There  is  less  difficulty  attending  this  diurnal 
investigation,  than  many  professors  imagine. 
Were  long  intervals  to  occur  between  the  pe- 
riods of  self-examination,  we  should,  indeed, 
experience  much  inconvenience  and  perplexity 
in  performing  the  duty.  We  should  then  re- 
semble the  unskilful  and  heedless  merchant, 
who,  yielding  to  habitual  negligence  and  hurry. 


YOtJtIG  CHRISTIAN.  95 

defers  posting  his  books,  until  he  is  overwhelm- 
ed with  their  intricacy  and  magnitude.  But  let 
the  duty  be  daily  and  thoroughly  performed, 
and  we  rise  to  the  standard  of  the  skilful  and 
prudent  merchant,  who  duly  records  every  item 
of  business ;  who  never  closes  his  counting- 
house,  until  his  balance-sheet  is  made  up  ;  and 
who,  by  a  single  reference,  can  tell  the  true 
state  of  his  accounts,  and  form  a  correct  esti* 
mate  of  his  commercial  standing. 

You  will  find  yourself  aided  in  this  work,  by 
a  secret  journal  or  diary,  which  must  be  exclu- 
ded from  the  inspection  of  all,  but  God  and 
yourself. 

If  you  are  in  the  habit  of  thus  daily  inquiring 
into  your  motives  and  conduct,  you  will  find  it 
an  excellent  preparation  for  approaching  a 
throne  of  grace.  You  will  perceive  so  many 
failures  in  duty,  and  such  frequent  commission 
of  sin,  that  your  soul  must  necessarily  be  hum* 
bled  before  God.  You  will  also  perceive  whe 
ther  you  make  any  advances  in  knowledge  and 
holiness,  and  thus  discover  a  source  of  encou- 
ragem.ent,  or  a  stimulus  to  greater  diligence. 
Your  conscience  will  be  rendered  tender  and 
faithful ;  and  you  will  thus  be  on  the  alert, 
that  you  be  not  tempted,  or  drawn  aside  fxcm 


96  ADVICK  TO  A 

your  duty.  You  will  walk  softly  amid  the 
thorny  path,  nor  feel  the  bleeding  wounds 
which  are  inflicted  on  so  many  careless  and 
worldly-minded  professors. 

Besides  this  daily  process  which  I  am  recom- 
mending, there  is  one  special  season  of  self- 
examiixation,  which  you  should  by  no  means 
omit.  The  Apostle  enjoins  on  every  Christian, 
to  examine  himself  before  he  partakes  of  the 
Lord's  Supper.  "Let  a  man  examine  himself, 
and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of 
that  cup."  This  is  indispensable,  to  a  profita- 
ble attendance  on  this  interesting  and  signifi- 
cant ordinance.  If  you  are  in  the  habit  of 
daily  self-examination,  you  will  find  the  obser- 
vance of  this  special  season,  by  no  means  diffi- 
cult or  laborious.  You  will  have  acquired,  by 
your  daily  introspection,  so  much  self-know- 
ledge ;  such  a  tact,  if  I  may  be  allowed  the  ex- 
pression, at  seizing  upon  evidence,  and  analy- 
zing feelings  and  motives,  that,  instead  of  pro- 
ving an  unwelcome  task,  it  will  constitute  a  sa- 
tisfactory, comforting,  and  delightful  duty. 

The  reason  why  so  many  complain  of  the 
difficulty  of  a  proper  discharge  of  this  duty,  is 
obvious.  I  shall,  in  a  subsequent  letter,  dis- 
close it  more  fully. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  97 

Be  assured,  my  young  friend,  that,  if  ever 
you  arrive  at  an  elevated  standard  of  piety,  you 
will  attribute  it,  as  much  to  a  strict  and  perse- 
vering self-examination,  as  to  any  other  means, 
which  it  is,  under  God,  your  privilege  to  use. 
It  is  through  a  neglect  of  this,  that  Christianity 
makes,  in  most  of  us,  such  a  dwarfish  appear- 
ance. It  is  for  the  want  of  this,  that  hypocrisy 
vaunts  itself  in  the  habiliments  of  piety.  It  is 
for  the  want  of  this,  that  doubts,  and  fears,  and 
disquietude,  and  backslidings,  are  so  prevalent. 
I  entreat  you,  therefore,  as  you  value  your 
peace  and  your  improvement,  to  persevere  in 
the  faithful  discharge  of  this  duty.  You  will 
be  abundantly  rewarded.  Faith  will  walk  arm 
in  arm  with  the  promises ;  hope,  instead  of  a 
flickering  light,  will  become  a  steady  radiation 
from  an  unclouded  sun ;  love  will  p-row  to  a 
{lame,  that  "many  waters  cannot  quench  ;"  and 
zeal,  founded  in  truth,  and  directed  by  know- 
ledge, will  hold  on,  until  death,  its  vigorous 
and  untiring  career. 

I  say  not,  that  you  will  at  once  arrive  at  this 
lofty  elevation.  Ah,  no,  you  may  have  many 
a  thorny  path  to  tread,  many  a  rugged  way  to 
traverse,  many  a  difficult  hill  to  climb.  Nights 
of  weeping,  and  days  of  darkness  and  of  tem- 
9 


98  ADVICE  TO  A 

pest  may  intervene.  But  God  will  interpose 
in  your  behalf ;  he  will  "  temper  the  wind  to 
the  shorn  lamb." 

Recollect,  for  your  encouragement,  that  the 
farther  you  proceed,  the  easier  and  the  more 
delightful  will  be  the  passage.  As  it  approxi- 
mates heaven,  it  partakes  of  celestial  beauty. 
Like  the  fine,  free  avenue  to  a  noble  metropo- 
lis, the  proximity  of  this  road  to  the  heavenly 
Jerusalem,  opens  wider,  and  shows  clearer,  and 
almost  admits  the  eager  eye  to  catch  the  spires 
of  glory,  as  they  glitter  in  the  light  of  heaven. 
Take  up  your  cross,  dear  youth,  and  march 
forward.  While  you  may  encounter  diffi- 
culties, you  may  also  partake  of  many  plea- 
sures ;  pleasures  which  are  as  m.uch  superior 
to  the  sickly  joys  of  earth,  as  the  river  of  life 
is  purer,  than  the  green  waters  of  an  offensive 
and  stagnant  pool. 

««Thehillof  Zion  yields 
A  thousand  sacred  sweets  ; 
Before  we  roach  the  heavenly  fields, 
Or  walk  the  golden  streets." 

To  me,  it  has  ever  appeared  strange,  that 
when  so  much  depends  on  the  duty  of  self- 
examination,  it  should  be  so  generally  neg- 
lected. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  99 

We  do  not  thus  act  in  our  temporal  affairs. 
If  the  claim  to  an  estate  be  attended  -with  any 
de^ee  of  doubt  or  embarrassment,  we  spare 
no  pains  to  give  it  a  thorough  investigation. 
If  the  body  be  disordered,  we  are  alive  to  every 
symptom,  and  we  watch  every  new  aspect  of 
the  disease.  But  in  respect  to  the  soul,  we  are 
at  little  pains  to  substantiate  its  hope,  by  actual 
examination.  We  live  along,  as  if  the  matter 
were  settled  \  as  if  we  had  a  guarantee  for  our 
heavenly  inheritance  :  when,  in  fact,  all  is 
doubt  and  embarrassment ;  when,  perhaps,  we 
may  have  only  "  a  name  to  live,  whilst  we  are 
dead." 

Let  this  duty,  my  young  friend,  be  viewed  by 
you  as  altogether  indispensable.  Set  about  it 
with  diligence.  Should  your  enemy,  knoAving 
its  usefulness  and  importance,  attempt  to  dis- 
courage you,  listen  not  to  the  voice  of  the 
tempter.  Renew  your  labour;  call  upon  God  to 
fix  your  thoughts,  and  to  give  you  success. 
Persevere,  even  unto  death,  in  a  duty  so  ne- 
cessary to  your  safety,  and  essential  to  your 
comfort. 


100  ADVICE  TO  A 


LETTER  XIII. 

It  was  intimated,  in  my  last,  that  I  shoulil 
pursue  my  remarks  a  little  farther,  uj^on  self- 
examination.  My  reasons  for  so  doing,  are, 
the  importance  of  the  subject,  and  the  general 
neglect  of  it  with  which  many  Christians  are 
chargeable. 

Since  the  duty  is  so  intimately  connected 
with  your  hope  of  salvation,  your  advancement 
in  holiness,  and  your  general  elevation  of  cha- 
racter ;  you  will  bear  with  me  a  little  longer, 
even  though  the  subject  should  appear  to  be 
destitute  of  those  incidental  attractions,  which 
are  peculiar  to  the  ordinary  accomplishments 
of  life.  You  must  first  lay  the  solid  column  ; 
the  Corinthian  capital  may  then  be  superadded. 
My  conscience  would  condemn  me,  Avere  I  to 
speak  first  of  external  conduct,  when  the  piety 
of  the  soul  is  paramount,  and  demands  the  first 
and  deepest  consideration.  Let  this  be  obtain- 
ed, and,  I  doubt  not,  your  manners  and  deport- 
ment" will  take  that  elevated  and  noble  charac- 
ter, which  will  secure  to  you  the  love  of  the 
virtuous,  and  the  respect  and  admiration  of  all. 

Fixing  the  attention  on  manners  and  deport- 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  101 

ment,  before  the  heart  is  rectified,  is  like  pro- 
fusely adorniiig  the  exterior  of  a  building,  when 
it  is  all  unfinished  and  comfortless  within.  You 
are  allured^  by  the  imposing  aspect  which  it 
presents  ;  but  upon  entering,  how  great  is  your 
disappointment,  to  find,  not  only,  no  corres- 
pondence in  the  interior,  but  every  thing  cheer- 
less and  forbidding.  It  is  certainly  more  pleas- 
ing, to  view  even  a  homely  exterior,  an  out- 
side that  promises  but  little,  and  to  perceive 
ivithin,  beauty,  symmetry,  and  elegance.  Hap- 
py will  you  be,  if,  gifted  as  you  are,  with  at 
least  an  agreeable  person,  you  can  so  irradiate 
your  mind  with  knowledge  and  holiness,  as  to 
throw  around  you  an  additional  attraction,  and 
tnake  your  soul  approximate  to  the  comeliness 
of  an  unfallen  spirit.  But  I  have  digressed, 
and  must  return. 

The  difl^culty  of  arriving  at  a  knowledge  of 
our  true  character,  does  not  arise  from  any  de- 
ficiency or  obscurity  in  evidence,  as  recorded 
in  the  word  of  God  ;  but  from  the  manner  of 
applying  that  evidence  to  ourselves.  The  lia- 
bility to  deception  lies  here.  We  cannot  say, 
that  we  have  the  evidence,  because  we  may 
have  spurious  and  hypocritical  feelings,  which 
our  self-love  may  mistake  for  genuine  Christian 
9* 


102  ADVICE  TO  A 

emotions.  The  word  of  God  is  full,  clear,  and 
explicit.  It  marks  out  the  true  disciple  of  Christ, 
with  unerring  exactness.  The  evidence  is  di- 
rect and  indirect,  positive  and  negative,  in  ex- 
ample or  embodied  principle. 

The  direct  evidence,  is  that  which  consists 
in  a  record  of  the  feelings  which  every  Chris- 
tian must  possess.  The  Bibl«  is  full  of  this. 
The  indirect,  is  that  which  may  be  inferred, 
from  precepts  and  principles.  The  positive,  is 
exhibited  in  all  those  commands  which  relate 
to  doing  the  will  of  God.  The  negative,  from 
example  or  embodied  principle,  is  that  which 
is  derived  from  the  conduct  of  the  patriarchal 
and  primitive  saints. 

Thus  you  see  the  Bible  is  full  of  evidence 
relating  to  the  character  of  the  genuine  follow- 
er of  Christ.  That  evidence  is  clear  and  ex- 
plicit, presented  under  various  forms,  and 
couched  in  tho  simplest  phraseology.  Where, 
then,  lies  the  difficulty  of  correctly  ascertain- 
ing, at  once,  our  true  character  ?  I  will  tell  you. 
It  lies  in  the  depravity  of  the  human  heart. 
That  heart,  as  I  have  already  observed,  is  "  de- 
ceitful above  all  things ;"  and  this  is  the  true 
reason,  why  we  cannot  appropriate  this  evi- 
dence, with  the  certainty  of  its  application. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  103 

But  I  will  enter  into  a  few  particulars,  for 
your  farther  satisfaction,  to  show  you  that  self- 
examination  is  as  difficult,  as  it  is  important ; 
and  that  nothing  but  a  long  course  of  painful, 
persevering  effort,  will  bring  you  to  a  confi- 
dence, unshaken  by  doubt,  of  your  being  a 
child  of  God,  and  a  joint  heir  with  Jesus  Christ. 
You  do  not  wish  to  have  a  name  to  live,  and 
still  be  dead.  You  do  not  desire  to  go  into 
eternity,  with  a  profession  only.  No,  you  wish 
not  to  be  deceived  in  so  momentous  an  affair ; 
for  the  world,  you  would  not  be  deceived.  You 
have  counted  the  cost;  you  have  surveyed  the 
cross  ;  and  you  are  determined  to  follow  your 
Lord.  You  will  not  then  be  discouraged,  when 
I  inform  you,  that  to  deal  with  your  own  heart, 
in  close  examination,  is  a  great  and  difficult 
work.  But  the  difficulty,  as  I  before  observed, 
will  diminish  with  diligence. 

One  great  reason  why  so  litti*?  satisfaction  is 
obtained  in  the  work,  is,  that  our  investigation 
is  not  complete.  We  do  not  come  to  it  with 
a  determination  to  be  thorough  in  its  perform- 
ance. Although  we  acknowledge  that  there  is 
no  duty  so  difficult,  nor  any  more  important ; 
yet  there  is  none,  perhaps,  more  superficially 
performed.      Although  our  hopes,  our  peace 


104  ADVICE  TO  A 

of  mind,  our  growth  in  grace,  are  intimately 
connected  with  close  self-examination ;  yet, 
how  easily  are  we  discouraged  by  obstacles 
which  the  enemies  of  our  souls  may  interpose; 
and  how  hastily  do  we  run  through  the  duty, 
deriving  no  satisfaction,  but  only  enveloping 
the  mind  in  still  deeper  gloom.  After  one  or 
two  such  superficial  trials,  some  will  give  up 
the  duty  as  impracticable,  and  live  along  in 
doubt,  and  die,  perhaps,  in  distressing  uncer- 
tainty. 

We  are  less  thorough  in  this  spiritual  inves- 
tigation, than  we  should  be  in  almost  any  other 
subject.  No  wonder,  then,  that  we  make  such 
slow  advances  in  self-knowledge ;  no  wonder, 
that  it  is  generally  viewed  as  impracticable, 
when  so  superficially  performed.  When  you, 
my  young  friend,  enter  upon  this  duty,  make, 
I  entreat  you,  sure  work  with  your  soul ;  ex- 
plore the  secret  motives,  and  analyze  the  eva- 
nescent feelings.  If  it  cost  years  of  perse- 
vering labour,  ascertain,  if  possible,  whether 
you  have  an  inheritance  on  high.  May  God, 
by  his  Spirit,  assist  you,  and  make  you  suc» 
cessful. 


♦  YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  105 

LETTER  XIV. 

I  OBSERVED,  in  my  last,  that  we  were  in  dan- 
ger of  being  superficial  in  the  work  of  self-exa- 
mination. There  will  be  a  strong  temptation  to 
this,  from  our  natural  indolence,  as  well  as  the 
difficulties  to  be  overcome.  Hence,  you  will 
find  few  Christians,  who  make  this  duty  a  se- 
rious and  indispensable  business.  A  little  hasty 
catechising,  just  before  they  celebrate  the 
Lord's  Supper,  is  all  that  is  deemed  necessary. 
Two  or  three  months  may  intervene,  during 
•flrhich,  the  soul,  and  its  momentous  affairs,  are 
".omparatively  neglected.  When  again  sum- 
iJioned  to  renew  their  vows,  over  the  melting 
memorials  of  a  Saviour's  love,  they  begin  to 
think  of  some  preparation ;  but  one  moment 
steals  upon  the  heels  of  another,  and  the  busi- 
ness is  deferred,  until  the  hour  when  the  invi- 
ting bell  is  calling  them  to  the  feast.  Then,  all 
is  agitation  and  hurry,  when  all  should  be  calm, 
collected,  and  contemplative.  They  leave  to 
themselves,  perhaps,  a  few  moments,  to  extri- 
cate the  soul  from  a  tumult  of  cares  ;  and  af- 
ter an  ineffectual  and  superficial  attempt  at 


106  ADVICE  TO  A 

self-examination,  they  go  tremblingly  in  doubt, 
or  fearlessly  in  cold-hearted  presumption. 

Such  is  the  character  of  many  who  profess 
to  be  aiming  at  the  crown  of  glory.  They  do 
not  sit  in  judgment  on  the  internal  man,  as  did 
David,  when  he  threw  open  the  chambers  ot 
his  secret  soul,  and  exclaimed,  "  Search  me,  O 
God,  and  know  my  heart ;  try  me,  and  know 
my  thoughts ;  and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked 
way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlast- 
ing." It  is  mere  half-way  work  with  them. 
Conscience  prejudges  and  condemns.  To  si- 
lence her  clamours,  it  is  necessary  that  they 
make,  at  least,  a  show  of  self-examination.  But 
when  they  take  up  the  sacred  record,  they  find 
so  little  there,  which  can  be  honestly  appropri- 
ated in  their  favour,  that  they  are  obliged,  if 
they  would  glean  any  thing  for  their  encour- 
agement, to  misinterpret  and  misapply  its 
meaning.  When  they  meet  with  such  a  sweep- 
ing declaration  as  this,  "If  any  man  love  the 
world,  and  the  things  that  are  in  the  world,  the 
love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him  ;"  when  their 
eyes  glance  at  so  discriminating  a  text,  they 
employ  a  ready  sophistry,  to  modify  its  seve- 
rity, or  avert  its  application. 

There  is,  recollect,  a  strong  temptation  to  be 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  lOt 

partial  in  this  important  work.  Self-love, 
prompts  us  to  look  more  eagerly  for  the  favour- 
able, than  the  unfavourable  evidence ;  and 
gives  us  a  greater  readiness  in  applying  the 
former  than  the  latter.  It  is  an  object  with 
our  spiritual  enemies,  to  flatter  us  into  a  belief 
of  our  good  estate,  that  we  may  omit  our  watch, 
and  indulge  our  vain-confident  expectations. 
Thousands  are,  by  this  means,  led  blind-folded 
down  to  ruin. 

The  superficial  Christian,  seizes  the  most 
equivocal  evidence.  It  will  not  take  much  to 
persuade  him  that  all  is  safe.  If  a  vast  amount 
of  scripture  is  against  him,  and  he  can  yet  find 
but  here  and  there  a  single  text,  whose  aspect 
in  his  case,  is,  to  say  the  least,  doubtful,  how 
eagerly  will  he  grasp  it,  and  cast  it  into  the  fa- 
vourable scale.  It  is,  with  him.,  a  principle,  to 
be  satisfied  with  the  least  possible  testimony. 
He  will  make  one  text,  which  he  supposes  to 
be  in  his  favour,  neutralize  a  hundred  others, 
which  are  most  unequivocally  against  him. 
Hence  you  will  sometimes  hear  professing 
Christians  declare,  that  were  it  not  for  this  one 
text,  "  We  know  that  we  have  passed  from 
death  unto  life,  because  we  love  the  brethren;'* 
they  should  be  driven  to  despair. 


108  ADVICE  TO  A 

This  may,  indeed,  be  the  language  of  a  sin* 
cere  disciple  ;  of  one  who  walks  in  darkness, 
but  who  goes  mourning  over  his  personal  de-- 
ficiency.  Far  be  it  from  me,  to  discourage  such. 
This  precious  text  was  recorded  by  the  com- 
passionate Spirit,  for  him  ;  and  often,  when  the 
billows  were  high,  and  the  prospect  all  dark- 
ness,  it  has  beamed  like  a  star  of  hope  upon 
his  trembling  soul,  and  saved  it  from  despair 
and  death.  But,  when  I  hear  it  quoted  by  a 
thoughtless,  worldly-minded  professor,  I  ac- 
count it  a  sad  mark  against  him.  Is  this  the  only 
text,  to  which  he  can  cling  ?  Let  him  recollect, 
that  the  same  apostle  also  said,  "  By  this  we 
know  that  we  love  the  children  of  God,  when 
we  love  God,  and  keep  his  commandments." 

The  superficial  professor,  seems  determined, 
if  possible,  to  make  the  Bible  speak  in  his  fa- 
vour. He  comes  not  to  that  infallible  touch- 
stone, with  a  sincere  desire  to  probe  his  heart, 
to  examine  the  reason  of  his  hope,  and  to  scru- 
tinize the  foundation  of  his  confidence.  He 
comes  not,  with  a  resolution  to  make  thorough 
and  impartial  work ;  but  to  make  the  word  of 
God,  like  the  fabled  oracles  of  heathenism, 
speak  a  language  ambiguous  and  equivocal. 

Now,  my  young  friend,  be  thou  of  a  different 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  109 

Spirit.  Go  into  this  investigation,  with  a  reso- 
lution that  you  will  be  thorough  and  impartial. 
Say  to  your  Bible,  I  will  consult  thee  faithfully, 
thou  infallible  book.  I  will  let  thy  light  into 
the  darkest  chambers  of  my  heart.  The  sword 
of  the  Spirit  shall  search  the  system,  and  probe 
my  wounded  nature,  in  the  tenderest  part.  I 
will  not  shrink  from  the  inquisition,  hut  will 
enter  upon  it  sincerely,  and  persevere  in  it 
through  life. 

10 


no  ADVICE  TO  A 


LETTER  XV. 


The  character  of  the  superficial  professor,  I 
must  carry  along  with  me,  in  order  to  show 
you  the  importance  and  the  happiness  of  aim- 
ing  at  a  high  standard  of  attainment. 

He  is  a  miserable  self-deceiver,  who  ima- 
gines that  any  advantage  is  gained,  by  persua- 
ding himself,  contrary  to  evidence,  that  he  is  a 
Christian.  And  yet  there  are  thousands  of  this 
character.  Why  do  they  not  reflect  on  God's 
omniscience  ?  Why  do  they  not  consider,  that 
their  own  good  opinion  of  themselves,  will  not 
alter  their  true  character.  God  looketh  upon 
the  heart.  He  strips  the  outward  man,  and 
carries  his  judicial  sentence  home  upon  the 
soul.  He  can  tear  from  the  heart  its  most  art- 
ful disguises,  and  look  with  an  eye  of  infalli- 
ble decision  on  its  emotions.  With  his  "  fan 
in  his  hand,"  he  will  pass  through  the  visible 
church,  *'  and  gather  his  wheat  into  tlie  garner; 
but  he  will  burn  up  the  chaff  with  unquencha- 
ble fire." 

He  who  attends  to  self-examination  superfi- 
cially, [)laces  too  much  confidence  in  the  judg- 
ment of  others.     Every  person  knows,  that  if 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  Ill 

another's  opinion  be  coincident  with  our  own, 
we  are  flattered  by  it.  This  is  especially  the 
case,  when  it  respects  our  religious  character. 
Some,  who  are  fearful  of  deception,  will,  lam 
well  aware,  never  admit  the  opinion  of  others 
to  have  any  weight.  This  is,  certainly,  the 
safest  extreme.  Such  are,  generally,  mourning 
Christians,  who  are  much  more  prone  to  form 
an  unfavourable,  than  a  flattering  opinion,  of 
their  condition.  But  others  are  disposed  to 
place  undue  reliance  on  the  judgment  of  ttiose 
who  have  expressed  the  belief  that  they  are 
Christians.  This  satisfies  them;  especially  if 
it  be  the  judgment  of  those,  whom  they  great- 
ly respect,  and  whose  perspicacity  as  to  moral 
character,  they  have  been  in  the  habit  of  con- 
sidering as  well  nigh  infallible.  Perhaps  it  is 
merely  the  wish  of  a  beloved  friend,  or  the  ex- 
pression of  parental  hope,  rather  than  a  deli- 
berate and  formal  decision,  upon  ascertained 
evidence :  still  it  is,  often,  enough  to  under- 
mine the  duty  of  close  self-examination,  and 
induce  a  carelessness,  and  a  confidence,  awful- 
ly prophetic  of  deep  delinquency,  and  melan- 
choly backsliding. 

It  will  be  evident  to  you,  my  young  friend, 
that  confidence,  if  it  have  no  better  foundation, 


112  ADVICE  TO  A 

is  nothing  less  than  presumption ;  and  that  it 
may,  ere  long,  lead  to  great  doubt  and  per- 
plexity, if  not  to  absolute  despair. 

The  hope  of  eternal  life,  is  not  to  be  taken 
np  on  slight  grounds.  It  is  a  subject  to  be  set- 
tled between  God  and  your  own  soul.  I  would 
not  despise  the  advice,  nor  reject,  entirely,  the 
opinion  of  others  ;  but  I  would  be  careful,  not 
to  trust  too  much  to  such  advice  and  opinion. 
Since  you  are  to  stand  or  fall  by  the  word  of 
God,  it  is  to  that,  and  to  that  alone,  you  must 
look  for  testimony  in  your  case.  The  advice 
and  the  opinion  of  ministers,  and  private  Chris- 
tians, you  will  seek  and  respect ;  but  you  will 
not  regard  them  as  infallible,  nor  place  your 
reliance  upon  them.  Let  them  neither  sink  you 
to  despair,  nor  elevate  you  to  a  vain  confidence. 

You  know  full  well,  that  no  finite  being  can 
pronounce  with  certainty  on  your  spiritual  con- 
dition. Even  the  holy  apostles,  who  were  un- 
der the  immediate  inspiration  of  God,  were  not 
endued  with  this  prerogative.  Were  they  not 
deceived  respecting  the  characters  of  Simon 
Magus,  of  Demas,  and  of  others  ?  How,  then, 
can  we  trust  our  souls  to  the  opinion  of  fallible 
man  ?  What  reliance  can  we  place  on  any  thing 
short  of  God,  and  his  unerring  oxacles. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  113 

I  dwell  the  longer  on  this  topic,  because  I , 
have  not  seen  the  point  brought  out  fully,  in 
any  of  the  experimental  treatises  which  have 
fallen  under  my  observation ;  and  because 
there  is  in  most  persons,  a  strong  tendency  to 
lean  upon  the  judgment  of  others,  rather  than 
to  be  at  the  pains  of  a  severe  and  strict  investi- 
gation for  themselves.  You  cannot  be  ignorant, 
that  such  a  course  must  be  unsafe,  and  unsatis- 
factory. How  much  better,  to  go  at  once  to  the 
Bible  ?  If  we  there  find  our  character  to  be  that 
of  the  saints  who  have  gone  before  us,  what  joy 
and  assurance  will  it  give  !  We  know  that  we 
are  standing  on  a  rock — we  feel  that  it  is 
stable  as  eternity.  But,  if  we  lean  to  human 
opinion,  we  shall  ever  find  our  evidences  equi- 
vocal, and  our  hope  neither  sure  nor  steadfast. 

Remember,  too,  my  young  friend,  that  those 
who  love  us,  and  who  wish  us  to  become  Chris- 
tians, are  very  liable  to  be  satisfied  with  the 
shadow  of  evidence.  They  grasp  at  the  first 
hopeful  appearances,  and  pronounce  often  a 
favourable  decision,  when  there  are  not  suffi- 
cient grounds  to  warrant  it.  When  you  recol- 
lect this,  you  will  receive  their  opinion  with 
the  greater  hesitancy,  and  feel  more  deeply, 
the  importance  of  settling  the  question  over 
10* 


114  ADVICE  TO  A 

your  Bible ;  between  God  and  your  own  soul. 
Man  can  look  only  at  the  outside  ;  his  limited 
vision  cannot  penetrate  within.  But  God  look- 
eth  on  the  heart ;  on  that  wandering,  wayward 
heart,  the  seat  of  so  many  joys  and  sorrows, 
the  abode  of  so  much  deceitfulness  and  impu- 
rity. He  knows  its  character.  He  analyze* 
its  emotions. 

To  him,  therefore,  carry  your  soul,  «^irt, 
with  David,  invoke  his  scrutiny.  Th©*«  will 
you  be  able  to  give  to  him  that  asketh  you,  "n 
reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  witn  meek- 
ness and  fear."  Then  you  shall  have  "  the 
peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  understanding." 
Your  title  to  a  heavenly  inheritance,  shall  bear 
the  royal  signet ;  a  seal  which  none  on  earth 
dare  question ;  and  which,  when  the  gates  of 
death  shall  be  unbarred,  shall  give  you  free  ac- 
cess to  the  royal  presence,  and  to  the  templ«i 
of  God  on  high.  Rest  satisfied  with  nothing 
short  of  this  seal — and  may  the  Lord  enable 
you  to  persevere  in  seeking  it. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  115 

LETTER  XVI. 

In  prosecuting  the  work  of  self-examination, 
there  is  another  danger  to  which  you  will  be 
liable,  and  against  which  I  would  guard  you — a 
reliance  upon  past  experience.  If  you  suffer  this 
to  have  a  practical  influence  upon  you,  it  will 
palsy  every  effort,  and  make  you  to  sit  down  in 
indolence,  satisfied  with  present  attainments, 
when  you  should  be  pressing  towards  the  mark, 
for  the  prize  of  your  high  calling. 

I  mention  this,  because  it  is  a  very  common 
fault,  and  one  but  little  regarded.  What  can 
be  pleaded  in  extenuation  of  such  spiritual 
sluggishness,  I  cannot  conceive. 

The  holy  Apostle,  who,  next  to  his  Lord,  is 
the  brightest  example  which  is  set  before  us, 
counted  all  his  past  attainments  as  nothing,  so 
long  as  any  interval  remained  between  him, 
and  the  perfection  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
Hence  he  compares  himself  to  one  struggling 
in  a  race,  reaching  forth,  and  pressing  towards 
the  prize  which  was  set  before  him.  What  a 
beautiful  figure — reaching  forth,  pressing  to- 
wards— mark  the  expressions. 


116  ADVICE  TO  A 

If  you  had  ever  seen  an  Olympic  race,  where 
there  were  numerous  competitors ;  if  you  had 
ever  witnessed  their  earnestness,  as  they  ap- 
proached the  goal — every  muscle  strained  to 
the  utmost,  and  the  hand  reaching  forward  to 
seize  the  crown — you  would  have  a  more  im- 
pressive idea  of  this  beautiful  metaphor.  May 
you,  by  happy  experience,  know  its  import. 
But,  my  young  friend,  I  must  confess,  that 
there  are  few,  very  few,  of  these  Olympic 
strugglers,  in  the  Christian  race.  Too  many 
are  satisfied  to  look  on  as  spectators,  while  a 
few  only,  run  and  win  the  prize.  Too  many 
loiter  in  the  course,  or  turn  off  into  the  by- 
paths of  iniquity.  They  base  their  confidence 
on  past  experience.  They  seem  to  have  set- 
tled the  point  once  for  all.  They  will  perhaps 
admit,  that,  as  to  present  evidence  of  Christian 
character,  they  have  not  much  to  offer ;  but 
they  refer  you  to  the  time  when  their  evidence 
was  clear  and  unequivocal.  *'  There  was  a  pe- 
riod," say  they,  "when  we  experienced  conver- 
sion. A  great  change  took  place  in  our  feelings, 
affections,  and  conduct.  We  can  no  more  doubt 
that  it  was  the  work  of  God,  than  that  our 
bodies  are  a  part  of  His  creation.    Others  saw 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  117 

and  acknowledged  the  change.  'Tis  true,  we 
do  not  feel  now,  as  we  did  then  ;  but  we  were 
told  that  this  abatement  of  feeling,  was  to  be 
expected  ;  that  the  ardour  of  the  youthful  con- 
vert could  not  last  forever."  Ask  such  vain- 
confident  persons,  for  the  evidence  of  their 
faith,  and  they  refer  you  immediately  to  this 
antedated  hope.  They  are  at  no  pains  to  in- 
quire for  the  present  evidences  of  their  being 
in  a  state  of  salvation.  The  business  was 
settled  years  ago.  Others,  who  will  not  go 
quite  to  this  length,  will  secretly  feed  their 
hopes  too  much  upon  the  past,  instead  of  in- 
quiring into  present  marks  of  grace.  It  is 
a  sad  proof,  that  they  are  either  deceived  with 
false  appearances,  or  declining  from  God,  and 
from  duty. 

I  do  not  mean,  by  these  remarks,  to  imply, 
that  we  are  never  to  recur  to  past  experience, 
for  hope  and  consolation.  I  believe  we  are 
permitted,  by  the  word  of  God,  and  the  exam- 
ples of  his  saints,  so  to  do.  David,  in  a  time 
of  deep  trouble,  said,  "  I  will  remember  thee, 
from  the  land  of  Jordan,  from  the  Hermonites, 
and  from  the  hill  Mizar." 

But  what  I  wish  to  guard  you  against,  my 


118  ADVICE  TO  A 

young  friend,  is  placing  too  much  confidence 
in  the  past,  and  suffering  it  to  operate  as  an 
opiate  to  present  vigilance  and  activity.  Past 
experience  is  one  of  the  devil's  lures  to  vain 
confidence ;  one  of  the  veriest  subterfuges  of 
hypocrisy  ;  one  of  the  most  common  and  fatal 
grounds  of  self-deception.  Even  Paul,  would 
not  trust  to  the  past,  although  he  had  been 
struck  blind  by  a  beatific  vision  of  his  Master, 
and  introduced  into  His  kingdom,  under  cir- 
cumstances so  striking  and  peculiar.  No,  for- 
getting all  that  is  past,  "  he  presses  tovi^ards 
the  mark  for  the  prize  of  his  high  calling  in 
Christ  Jesus." 

These  old  hopes,  this  former  experience, 
you  cannot  depend  upon.  As  well  might  you 
think  of  crossing  the  ocean  in  a  worm-eaten 
vessel.  While  the  weather  was  mild,  and  the 
sea  calm,  you  might  float  in  apparent  security ; 
but  should  the  heavens  grow  dark,  and  the  bil- 
lows begin  to  beat  upon  the  vessel,  you  would 
fall  a  speedy  prey  to  the  all-devouring  wave. 
The  Christian,  who  has  no  better  basis  than 
by-gone  experience  to  rest  upon,  may  live  on, 
amid  the  sunshine  of  life,  in  apparent  ease 
and  comfort ;  but  in  that  hour  when  God  ta- 


YOUNG    CHRISTIAN.  119 

ketli  away  the  soul,  he  will  long  for  something 
more  substantial  to  cling  to,  than  a  doubtful 
and  antedated  hope. 

Many  are  thus  fatally  deceived.  To  them, 
life  seems  to  glide  onward  undisturbed,  and  the 
soul  is  rocked  asleep  on  the  pillow  of  past  ex- 
perience. Conscience  may  be  so  far  stupified, 
as  not  even  to  arouse  at  the  call  of  death. 
They  may  knock  at  heaven's  gate,  but  they 
may  also  hear  the  dread  voice  within,  "I 
know  you  not,  depart  from  me,  ye  workers  of 
iniquity." 

Such  self-deceivers  will  not  acknowledge 
the  duty  of  daily  self-examinaticn.  It  is  im- 
possible to  rouse  them  to  the  performance  of 
it.  They  are  cased  in  an  impervious  mail. 
They  have,  in  this  past  experience,  an  iuiti' 
dote  to  every  fear,  and  an  apology  for  every 
delinquency.  O,  be  thou  not  of  their  number. 
Look  for  daily  evidence  of  salvation.  It  is 
present  evidences  that  are  called  for,  and  such 
cannot  be  given,  without  a  daily,  habitual,  self* 
examination.  In  all  your  past  experience, 
there  is,  to  say  the  least,  a  possibility  of  your 
having  been  deceived  ;  it  is  therefore  not  a  suf- 
ficient ground  of  trust.     You  must  be  read) 


120  ADVICE  TO  A 

now,  "  to  give  to  him  that  asketh,  the  reason 
of  the  hope  that  is  within  you."  If  you  pur- 
sue the  course  which  I  have  marked  out,  you 
shall  never  need  to  bring  forward  an  old  and 
antedated  hope,  as  the  only  evidence  of  your 
faith  ;  but  in  every  look,  and  word,  and  action, 
you  shall  make  it  certain  to  all,  that  you  art 
in  deed  and  in  truth,  a  Christian. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  121 


LETTER  XVII. 


Assurance  of  salvation,  or  even  a  well- 
grounded,  uniform,  and  scriptural  hope,  is  a 
blessing  which  is  not  attained  by  a  superficiaJ 
and  infrequent  self-examination.  It  is  not  ge- 
nerally enjoyed  until  after  a  series  of  perse- 
vering, and  well  applied  exertions.  Some- 
times, where  there  is  a  desire  to  be  thorough 
and  diligent,  it  is  not  enjoyed.  It  appears  to  be 
the  will  of  God,  that  some  should  go  weeping 
after  it,  even  to  the  grave.  But  generally,  if 
Christians  are  faithful,  they  will  arrive  at  a  con- 
firmed and  satisfactory  hope  of  eternal  life. 

There  is  difficulty,  I  admit,  in  the  work  of 
self-examination.  "Even  the  righteous  are 
scarcely  saved — saved  in  many  instances  as 
by  fire."  The  heart  is  so  deceitful,  and  the 
enemies  of  our  soul  so  full  of  evil  machina- 
tions, that  we  are  liable  to  draw  too  favourable 
conclusions  of  our  being  in  a  state  of  salva- 
tion. There  are  times  too,  when  we  seem 
afraid  to  uncover  our  bosoms  to  the  piercing 
glance  of  God.  Like  merchants  who  are  on 
the  borders  of  insolvency,  we  shrink  from 
makinc  a   thorough   investigation  of  our  ac- 


1^  ADVICE  to  A 

counts.  We  tremble  at  the  thought  of  finding 
ourselves  spiritual  bankrupts,  and  are  almost 
willing,  if  I  may  be  allowed  the  comparison^ 
to  forge  evidences  in  our  favour,  and  to  oui 
own  deception. 

This  is  especially  the  character  of  one  who 
is  not  habitually  and  daily  engaged  in  the 
work  of  self-examination.  There  is  an  uncer* 
tainty  and  confusion  about  his  hopes,  which 
make  him  afraid  to  enter  too  deeply  into  the 
state  of  his  circumstances.  Hfe  does  not  open 
the  Bible,  and  appeal  to  its  searching  truths* 
He  fears  that  the  scrutiny  would  sweep  down 
his  cherished  expectations.  He  is,  therefore^ 
tempted  to  hunt  out  only  those  portions  of 
scripture,  which  appear  to  favour  his  case ; 
and  to  blind  his  vision  to  those,  which  would 
shake  his  confidence,  or  eradicate  his  hopes. 
When  he  would  examine  himself  respecting 
the  love  or  the  renunciation  of  sin,  he  is  far 
from  being  a  thorough  and  impartial  censor. 
He  can  yield  up  some  of  the  least-loved  sinful 
habits,  and  can  give  full  credit  to  himself  for 
the  self-denial ;  but  the  "  right  hand"  and  the 
"  right  eye"  are  not  parted  with.  Some  world- 
ly i)roject  is  in  view,  which  militates  against 
too  severe  a  standard  of  religious  character ; 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  123 

4»vd  which  would  be  found  to  be  inconsistent, 
by  too  close  an  application  to  Bible  ethics. 
Accordingly,  instead  of  making  the  world  yield 
to  the  claims  of  Christianity,  he  must  narrow 
down  Christianity  to  accommodate   the  world. 

Business,  pleasure,  and  reputation,  when 
they  get  the  ascendency,  make  self-examina- 
tion an  irksome  and  unpleasant  duty.  When 
a  Christian  professor  is  too  eager  in  pursuit  of 
them,  he  always  ferls  a  conviction  of  delin- 
quency, depriving  him  of  that  free  and  noble 
air,  which  is  ever  the  concomitant  of  an  appro- 
ving conscience;  and  filling  his  mind  with 
feeble  apologies  for  himself,  or  with  unjust 
censures  against  his  superiors  in  piety. 

Now,  can  such  a  person  come  fearlessly  up 
to  the  work  of  self-examination  ?  Can  he  take 
the  Bible  in  his  hand,  and  appeal  to  the  heart- 
searching  God  ?  Can  he  be  a  faithful  inquisitor 
of  the  internal  man  ?  Will  he  not  gloss  over 
his  sin  ?  Will  he  not  hunt  for  evidence  to 
neutralize  his  guilt  ? 

Such  a  character  is  satisfied  with  just  enough 
of  religion  to  make  him  respectable  here,  and 
afford  a  vague  hope  of  happiness  hereafter. 
But,  alas  !  he  is  disappointed  in  both.  He  i? 
viewed  as  hypocritical  and  insincere,  by  mam- 


134  ADVICE  TO  A 

of  his  fellow  men :  and  there  is  great  reason 
to  apprehend,  that,  when  God  cometh  to  "  make 
up  his  jewels,"  he  will  be  found,  not  among 
them,  but  with  unbelievers,  in  the  regions  of 
despair. 

It  is  by  exhibiting  to  your  view,  my  young 
friend,  this  superficial  and  flimsy  Christianity, 
that  I  would  warn  you  against  it,  and  rouse 
you  to  diligence  in  aiming  at  an  elevated  stand 
ard  of  piety.  "Whilst  there  are  difficulties  con- 
nected with  the  performance  of  Christian  du- 
ties, difficulties  of  no  common  magnitude,  they 
are  still  not  insurmountable.  The  timid  and 
the  hesitating  shrink  and  despond ;  but  the 
true  child  of  God  knows  that  he  has  enlisted 
in  a  warfare  that  cannot  end  but  with  life. 
When  he  puts  his  hand  to  God's  covenant, 
when  he  gives  his  name  to  the  captain  of  his 
salvation,  it  is  a  deliberate  and  well-considered 
act.  He  has  counted  the  cost.  He  has  sur- 
veyed the  enemy ;  and  whilst  he  acknowledges 
his  own  feebleness,  he  confides  in  that  pledged 
assistance  and  protection,  which  will  render  him 
invincible  and  triumphant. 

I  hope  that  you  have  thus  considered  the  sub- 
ject, and  determined  to  make  a  thorough  and 
well-disciplined  disciple.  I  trust,  that  witli  you, 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  ]^ 

religion  shall  be  all  in  all.  It  must  be  the  busi- 
ness of  every  day  ;  it  must  be  the  business  of 
life. 

It  is  a  grand  mistake,  to  suppose  that  the  su- 
perficial Christian  can  possess  spiritual  enjoy- 
ments. They  are  not  for  him.  They  are  for  the 
laborious,  the  self-denied,  the  pains-taking 
Christian.  It  is  the  soldier  who  sleeps  in  his 
armour;  springpp  to  his  post  at  a  word  ;  rushes 
into  the  thickest  of  the  fight ;  and  deals  his  well- 
directed  blows  upon  the  enemy :  it  is  he,  and 
he  alone,  upon  whom  his  admiring  commander 
bestows  the  meed  of  honour,  and  the  trophies 
of  victory. 

Be  it  yours  to  imitate  him  in  the  spiritual 
conflict,  and  it  shall  be  yours  to  share,  like  him, 
in  the  rewards  of  conquest:  and  even  far  before 
him  rihall  you  be  honoured,  for  you  shall  sit  at 
the  King's  table,  and  partake  of  the  rich  provi- 
sions of  his  temple.  Every  thing  urges  you  to 
diligence  and  to  duty  ;  your  honour  and  your 
happiness  ;  your  safety  and  your  reward.  O 
then,  forgetting  the  things  which  are  behind, 
reach  forth ;  press  onward ;  and  the  prize,  the 
glorious  prize,  shall  be  soohand  forever  yours. 
11* 


126  ADVICE  TO  A 


LETTER  XVIII. 


Self-examination,  respects  both  feeling  and 
conduct.  A  difficulty  occurs  in  ascertaining 
whether  the  former  is  according  to  the  spirit, 
and  the  latter  correspondent  with  the  precepts 
of  the  Bible.  I  am  persuaded  that  you  are  al- 
ready impressed  with  the  importance  of  the 
duty,  and  are  resolved  that  it  shall  occupy  a  pro- 
minent place  in  the  daily  exercises  of  the  closet. 

But,  methinks  I  hear  you  inquire,  in  what 
way  you  are  to  proceed ;  how  you  are  to  know 
that  you  pursue  the  duty  to  advantage ;  and 
whether  you  are  not,  after  all,  liable  to  decep- 
tion? I  have  already  forewarned  you  of  difficul- 
ties which  will  appear  formidable,  and  which, 
at  the  very  threshold  of  your  Christian  course, 
will  be  thrown  in  your  way,  to  arrest  your  pro- 
gress, and  frighten  you  from  the  discharge  of 
duty.  But,  be  not  discouraged  nor  intimidated. 
Repeated  effi^rts  in  prayer  to  God,  will  enable 
you  to  breast  the  opposition;  and  that  which  at 
first  appeared  fraught  with  difficulties,  will  be 
found,  after  a  few  incipient  discouragements, 
easy  and  delightful. 

Satan  will  exert  his  utmost  power  to  hinder 


YOtJNG  CHRISTIAN.  127 

you  from  this  all-important  duty.  He  knows 
how  much  your  hopes,  and  your  advancement 
in  holiness,  depend  upon  the  faithful  discharge 
of  it.  Having,  in  so  many  other  cases,  succeed- 
ed in  hindering  its  performance,  he  will  hope  in 
yours  to  succeed.  May  the  grace  of  God  ena- 
ble you  to  disappoint  him.  May  you  persevere, 
even  amid  discouragements,  until  the  duty  shall 
become  to  you  a  most  precious  privilege. 

When  you  enter  upon  this  work,  you  will 
first  look  upward  to  heaven,  in  a  few  short  pe- 
titions, that  God  would  grant  you  his  holy  spi- 
rit ;  that  he  would  fix  your  attention  on  the  im- 
mediate duty  before  you ;  that  he  would  keep 
you  from  a  superficial  investigation ;  and  ena- 
ble you  to  deal  closely  and  thoroughly  with 
your  heart. 

We  are  very  liable,  in  our  retirement,  to  wan- 
dering thoughts ;  and  I  doubt  not,  that  hours 
have  been  wasted  in  the  closet,  in  a  vain  attempt 
to  fix  the  mind,  while  it  eJudod  the  effort,  and 
sported  itself  in  fanciful  and  foolish  visions. 

It  is  important,  therefore,  that  we  at  once 
counteract  this  desultory  state  of  mind,  by  fer- 
vent prayer  to  God.  We  should  then,  in  a  mea- 
sure, anticipate  satan,  who  is  always  most  busy 
with  the  children  of  God,  when  they  are  the 


128  ADVICE  TO  A 

nearest  to  duty,  and  are  about  to  receive  some 
great  spiritual  benefit. 

Our  self-examination,  I  have  already  said, 
respects  our  state  of  feelings,  and  our  external 
conduct.  Has  the  former  partaken  of  the  spirit 
of  Christ  ?  Has  the  latter  corresponded  with 
his  precepts  ?  It  is  no  very  difficult  matter  for 
a  conscientious  and  reflecting  individual  to  re- 
trace the  occurrences  of  a  single  day.  But,  if 
the  business  be  deferred  for  weeks  and  months, 
his  sins  will  be  multiplied  and  forgotten,  amid 
the  fluctuating  scenes  of  life.  Conscious  that 
there  has  been  much,  in  both  heart  and  life,  to 
condemn,  but  forgetting  the  particulars,  he  is 
obliged  to  repent  in  the  gross. 

But  he  who  daily  calls  himself  to  an  account, 
will,  after  a  few  trials,  find  the  employment 
both  easy  and  edifying.  With  what  feelings, 
he  will  ask,  did  I  awake?  Did  my  gratitude 
for  nocturnal  repose  and  protection,  rise  with 
the  rising  light,  to  Him,  who  is  the  watchman 
of  Israel,  and  who  never  slumbereth  nor  sleep- 
eth  ?  Or  was  I,  like  the  brute,  indifferent  to  the 
kindness  of  my  heavenly  Guardian  ?  Did  I  arise 
with  the  breath  of  praise  on  my  lips,  and  the 
spirit  of  devotion  in  my  heart  ?  Or  were  my 
thoughts  scattered  and  desultory  ?  In  my  morn* 


YOTNG  CHRISTIAN.  129 

ing  devotions,  can  I  say  that  I  enjoyed  a  near 
access  to  God,  so  that  I  communed  with  him, 
even  as  it  were,  from  the  mercy-seat?  Did  I 
wrestle?  Did  I  agonize  ?  Was  this  the  spirit,  or 
were  my  prayers  formal  and  forced?  Was  my 
frame  of  mind  sluggish  and  cold  ?  Were  my 
petitions  hurried  and  insincere  ?  Did  I  really 
desire  the  blessings  I  sought;  or  did  I  only 
mention  them  as  a  necessary  part  of  prayer  ? 
Had  I  a  deep  sense  of  my  unworthiness,  and  a 
full  conviction  of  the  necessity  of  my  Media- 
tor's blood  and  merits  ?  In  my  petitions,  was 
my  soul  drawn  forth  in  solicitude  for  others ; 
or  did  I  confine  them  to  myself? 

Having  left  my  closet,  did  I  watch  unto 
prayer?  I  besought  God  to  keep  me  from  sin; 
but  has  my  conduct,  this  day,  been  in  unison 
with  my  prayers?  I  prayed  for  sanctification ; 
but  have  I  detected  and  suppressed  the  first  ri- 
sings of  secret  iniquity  ?  I  entreated  God  for 
more  light  and  knowledge;  but  have  I  medita- 
ted on  his  works,  and  studied  his  word  ?  I  de- 
precated my  easily  besetting  sin ;  but  have  I 
endeavoured  to  avoid  it  ?  I  prayed  for  Zion, 
and  for  the  salvation  of  the  impenitent ;  but 
have  I  spoken  a  word  of  warning  or  exhorta- 
tion to  any  person  this  day  ?    Have  I  watched 


130  ADVICE  TO  A 

the  leadings  of  Providence  ?  Have  I  advanced 
in  the  knowledge  of  God?  Have  I  made  any- 
new  discoveries  of  his  glory?  Have  I  learned 
more  of  the  machinations  of  satan;  or  seen 
deeper  into  the  deceitfulness  of  my  own  heart? 
These  are  a  few  general  questions,  which 
may  serve  as  a  guide,  to  one  who  wishes  an 
outline  of  daily  self-examination. 


yOtrKS  CHRISTIAN*  131 

LETTER  XIX. 

In  my  last  communication,  I  instituted  some 
inquiries,  which,  as  I  supposed,  would  be  pro- 
fitably connected  with  a  retrospect  of  the  day. 
I  am  aware,  my  young  friend,  that  one  person 
cannot  lay  down  rules  on  this  subject,  which 
shall  apply  precisely  to  the  feelings  and  cir* 
cumstances  of  others.  I  give  you,  therefore, 
only  a  sketch,  by  which  your  inexperience  may 
possibly  be  benefited. 

The  questions  which  one  would  wish  to  pro^ 
pose,  in  taking  a  retrospect  of  the  day,  must  of 
course  vary,  according  to  circumstances. 

I,  who  am  a  minister,  and  who  have  the  care 
of  souls,  must  inquire,  more  particularly,  into 
my  fidelity.  Have  I  wrestled  this  day,  for  the 
souls  of  my  dear  people  ?  Have  I  improved 
every  opportunity  to  do  them  good  ?  Have  I 
preached  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  &c. 

Ptit  you,  in  inquiring  into  your  conduct, 
must  adapt  those  inquiries  ti  the  circumstances 
by  which  you  are  surrounded.  You  have  per- 
sonal and  relative  duties,  which  are  peculiar. 
Parental  esteem  and  obedience,  are  obligatory. 
Hov,  you  should  inquire,  have  I  conducted  to- 


132  ADVICE  TO  A 

wards  my  dear  parents  this  day?  Have  I  alle- 
viated any  of  their  cares  ?  Have  I  been  obedi- 
ent and  affectionate  ?  I  have  sisters ;  have  I  done 
my  duty  towards  them,  instructing  them,  and 
exhibiting  an  example  Avhich  they  might  with 
safety  follow?  I  am  surrounded  by  companions, 
some  of  whom  profess  the  same  hopes  as  my- 
self; but  others  are  yet  in  "the  gall  of  bitter- 
ness and  the  bonds  of  iniquity  ;"  have  I,  so  far 
as  opportunity  would  permit,  encouraged  the 
former,  and  warned  the  latter  ?  What  studies 
have  I  pursued,  or  what  books  perused  ?  What 
benefit  have  I  derived  from  either?  Havel 
done  any  thing  this  day  for  the  glory  of  God  ? 
These  are  some  of  the  questions  which  I  should 
suppose  would  occur  to  one  in  your  circum- 
stances. 

If,  upon  such  a  daily  review,  you  find  that 
you  have  advanced  in  holiness ;  that  you  have 
gained  an  advantage  over  your  spiritual  ene- 
mies; that  you  have  profited  by  the  means 
which  a  kind  Providence  has  given  for  your 
improvement ;  it  will  afford  matter  for  praise 
and  thanksgiving.  It  will  kindle  up  a  lively 
gratitude  in  your  soul,  and  give  a  zest  to  your 
devotions.  If  you  discover  much  to  condemn, 
many  sins  and  failures,  as  you  undoubtedly 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  133 

will,  it  will  afford  subject  for  humiliation,  and 
prostrate  the  soul  in  penitential  confession  be- 
fore God.  Thus,  while  you  advance  in  the 
knowledge  of  your  own  heart,  you  will  have 
all  the  ingredients  of  acceptable  worship.  Your 
prayer  will  be  full  of  praise,  and  full  of  contri- 
tion. Your  mercies  will  call  forth  the  one,  and 
your  transgressions  prompt  the  other.  Prayer, 
with  you,  will  then  be,  not  a  cold  formality, 
but  a  deep  spiritual  intercourse  with  God,  and 
your  own  heart. 

This  nocturnal  ordeal,  will  bring  into  view, 
and  make  precious,  the  merits  and  intercession 
of  Jesus,  your  High  Priest  and  Saviour.  i\  re- 
view, even  of  a  single  day,  must,  if  it  be  close 
and  careful,  ever  cover  you  with  confusion  of 
face.  The  sins  committed,  even  in  that  short 
period,  will  appear  numerous.  The  soul  would 
sink  under  their  heavy  load,  were  it  not  for  the 
encouraging  promise:  "If any  man  sin,  we 
have  an  advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ 
the  righteous."  As  sins  appear  numerous  and  ag- 
gravated, Jesus  must  ever  appear  proportiona 
bly  precious.  You  will  cast  yourself  all  guilty  in 
his  arms,  and  find  that  "  though  sin  has  abound- 
ed, grace  doth  much  more  abound."  After  such 
a  review  as  I  have  recommended,  will  a  new 
12 


134  ADVICE  TO  A 

application  be  made,  and  a  new  pardon  suppli* 
cated,  from  the  hand  of  the  Saviour.  He  will 
thus  be  brought  constantly  in  view,  and  made 
increasingly  dear  and  delightful. 

You  see,  then,  how  many  and  great  are  the 
advantages  connected  with  frequent  and  close 
self-examination.  Can  you,  then,  live  without 
it  a  single  day  ?  Are  you  not  resolved,  that,  un- 
der all  ordinary  circumstances,  it  shall  be  en- 
tered upon  and  performed  with  as  much  punc- 
tuality, as  prayer  and  the  reading  of  the  word 
of  God  ?  I  am  persuaded,  that,  afier  what  has 
been  said,  you  will  by  no  means  omit  it.  1  think 
you  must  perceive,  too,  that  the  difficulties, 
though  great,  may,  by  the  plan  which  I  propose, 
be  all  surmounted.  They  arise,  as  I  have  be- 
fore observed,  from  neglect.  Days,  weeks, 
and  months,  roll  away ;  and  the  soul,  immersed 
in  the  busy  cares  of  life,  contracts  a  detilement, 
and  collects  a  rubbish,  which  a  momentary  and 
hurried  examination  may  render  visible,  but 
can  never  remove. 

The  soul  of  the  delinquent  is  neglected — 
shamefully  neglected.  He  deserves  to  have 
his  hope  obscured,  his  faith  weakened,  his 
doubts  increased.  He  may  be  left  amid  these 
perplexities,  until  he  is  suddenly  called  to  a 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  135 

death-bed,  and  compelled  to  take  a  direct  look 
at  his  case.  It  is  then  a  fearful  scene.  Clouds 
and  darkness  curtain  his  dying  pillow ;  anguish 
insupportable  heaves  his  dubious  bosom.  There 
is  no  clear  sunshine  upon  his  soul ;  but  he  lies 
on  the  fluctuating  wave,  uncertain  whether  he 
shall  outride  the  beating  storm. 

Would  you  avoid  such  a  scene  ?  O,  yes,  I 
know  you  would.  Then  know  yourself,  ere  it 
arrive.  Be  faithfully  and  intimately  acquainted 
with  your  own  heart.  Then  shall  your  life  be 
happy  and  useful ;  and  your  death  serene,  per- 
haps gloriously  triumphant.  May  you  live  the 
life,  and  die  the  death  of  the  righteous  ! 


136  ADVICE  TO  A 


LET'J'Ell  XX. 


As  an  imiiortQiit  auxiliary  means  of  advan- 
cing in  holiness,  I  woiiLl  recommend,  in  addi- 
tion to  this  daily  self-examination,  an  attention 
to  the  same  duty,  at  stated  and  peculiar  seasons : 
such,  for  example,  as  the  commencement  of  a 
new  year,  the  recurrence  of  your  birth-day, 
or  when  about  to  enter  upon  some  important 
change  in  life.  By  perusing  the  biography  of 
those  saints  who  have  been  most  distinguished 
for  exalted  piety,  you  will  find  that  they  never 
permitted  such  periods  to  pass  by  unobserved, 
or  unimproved. 

There  is  something  in  the  periodical  revolu- 
tion of  the  seasons,  which  cannot  fail  to  strike 
with  seriousness  a  reflecting  mind.  A  single 
day  is  of  vast  importance.  When  passed,  it 
can  never  be  recalled.  With  all  its  cares,  its 
pleasures,  and  its  pains,  it  has  sunk  into  eter- 
nity. It  has  gone  to  give  tidings  of  moral  con- 
duct, which  will  be  faithfully  recorded  against 
the  great  day  of  account.  Who,  then,  but  the 
most  infatuated,  will  dare  to  murder  its  hours 
amid  festivity  and  mirth,  when  those  hours  are 
so  fleeting,  and  so   pregnant  with  eternal  re- 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  137 

suits  ?  If  a  day  is  so  important,  a  week,  a  month, 
or  a  year,  proportionably  increases  in  value ; 
and  forms  a  period,  in  which  much  may  be 
done,  either  to  grieve  the  spirit  of  God,  and 
effect  the  ruin  of  the  soul,  or  to  promote  the 
cause  of  our  Redeemer,  and  secure  to  ourselves 
an  inheritance  in  the  kingdom  of  glory. 

I  trust  you  will,  at  least  annually,  review 
your  diary.  As  one  year  rolls  away,  and  an- 
other succeeds,  look  back  upon  the  past,  and 
forward  to  the  future.  If  you  have  been  daily 
in  the  habit  of  self-examination,  this  will  be 
not  a  difficult,  but  an  easy  task,  replete  with 
spiritual  benefit.  As  you  retrace  the  events  of 
the  year,  the  blessings  which  you  have  received 
will  inspire  you  with  affectionate  confidence, 
and  adoring  gratitude  ;  and  the  evils  of  heart 
and  of  life,  which  have  marked  that  period, 
will  fill  your  soul  with  penitential  sorrow  ;  and 
like  David,  prostrate  in  the  dust  of  humilia- 
tion, you  will  be  constrained  to  sing,  both  of  ^ 
mercy  and  of  judgment. 

What  have  I  done,  during  the  past  year,  to 
advance  the  glory  of  my  Redeemer's  kingdom? 
Have  I  done  all  that  my  means  and  circum- 
stances would  allow?  What  victories  have  I 
obtained  over  myself?  Is  my  easily  besetting 
12* 


138  ADVICC  TO  A 

sin  laid  aside,  or  does  it  too  often  master  my 
strongest  resolutions?  Have  I  a  deeper  and 
more  intimate  communion  witli  God,  than 
when  the  year  commenced  ?  Are  my  desires 
for  holiness  stronger?  Have  I  made  any  appa- 
rent advances  towards  that  elevation  at  which 
I  profess  to  aim?  Are  my  devotions  colder  and 
more  infrequent  ?  Do  my  sins  oftener  prevail, 
and  is  the  world  gaining  on  my  esteem  and  my 
attention  ? 

These,  my  young  friend,  are  some  of  the 
questions,  which  the  observance  of  such  a  sea- 
son would  prompt.  Let  them  be  seriously  met, 
and  sincerely  answered.  Let  a  day,  if  practica- 
ble, be  specially  appropriated  to  the  duty,  and 
let  it  be  accompanied  by  fasting  and  prayer. 

The  time  would  fail  me,  to  enumerate  all  the 
advantages,  and  exhibit  the  full  importance  of 
such  periodical  investigations.  Enter  upon 
them  with  diligence,  and  prosecute  them  with 
fidelity,  and  you  will  find  by  your  own  happy 
experience,  that  self-examination  is  not  only 
an  important,  but  an  easy  and  delightful  duty. 

Your  experience  and  your  careful  observance 
of  the  past,  will  enable  you  to  calculate  for  the 
future.  Against  the  temptations  which  have 
proved  most  successful,  you  can  place  a  double 


VOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  "  VS9 

guard.  The  circumstances  in  which  you  have 
found  yourself  peculiarly  exposed,  you  can 
avoid.  The  means  which  have  proved  most 
efficacious  for  your  good,  and  the  individuals 
whose  counsels  have  stimulated  you  to  duty, 
will  be  noted  :  and  in  future,  the  former  will 
be  oftener  resorted  to,  and  the  latter  drawn  into 
more  constant  and  intimate  communion. 

Your  birth-day  ought  also  to  be  improved.  I 
know  that  many  spend  that  day  in  festivity  and 
merriment.  They  deem  it  an  occasion  for 
mirth  and  hilarity.  Herod  made  a  royal  ban- 
quet, and  assembling  all  the  wealth  and  beauty 
of  the  kingdom,  celebrated  his  birth-day  with 
music  and  dancing.  Many  with  more  circum- 
scribed means,  and  on  a  smaller  scale,  imitate 
his  example.  But  is  there  any  thing  in  our 
birth-day,  to  demand  such  a  parade  of  folly  ? 
Is  it  a  matter  of  mirth  and  rejoicing,  that  an- 
other year  of  our  short  lives  has  forever  gone  ? 
Should  we  celebrate  our  own  speedy  career  to 
God's  judgment  bar,  with  music  and  the  dance  ? 
And  especially,  if  the  soul  be  unreconciled  to 
God,  should  we  chant  a  jubilee  over  its  ap- 
proximation to  hell  ? 

If  any  have  reason  to  rejoice,  it  is  the  Chris- 
tian.    He  is  one  year  nearer  his  eternal  and 


140  ADVICE  TO  A 

happy  home.  But  he  views  himself  as  so  defi- 
cient, and  his  work  on  earth  as  so  momentous, 
that  he  is  far  from  wishing  to  spend  his  birth- 
day in  festivity.  With  him  it  should  be  a  day 
of  serious  examination  and  humiliation.  It 
should  be  consecrated  to  God,  and  the  prospe- 
rity of  the  soul. 

I  hope  that  you  will  observe  it  in  this  man- 
ner, and  then  it  will  be  a  sort  of  spiritual  land- 
mark, to  which  you  can  recur  amid  the  tumultu- 
ous sea  of  life  ;  and  when  your  days  are  num- 
bered on  earth,  you  will  be  found  to  have  spent 
them  in  "  wisdom's  ways,  which  are  ways  of 
pleasantness ;"  and  you  will  look  back  uf  jn  life, 
though  with  deep  humility,  yet  withr  it  any 
heart-rending  regret. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  141 


LETTER  XXI. 


There  are  so  many  excellent  works,  on  the 
preparation  of  the  heart  necessary  to  an  ac- 
ceptable approach  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  that  I 
shall  do  little  more  than  to  refer  you  to  them. 
The  only  objection  which  I  have  ever  felt  to 
the  use  of  such  treatises,  is,  that  by  their  pro- 
lixity, and  by  the  numerous  items  which  they 
have  recommended,  I  have  been  confused,  and 
sometimes  discouraged,  in  the  work  of  self- 
examination.  If  some  of  them  were  greatly 
abridged,  and  were  disencumbered  of  a  multi- 
tude of  particulars,  which  it  is  impossible  to 
carry  in  the  memory,  they  would,  in  my  opi- 
nion, be  far  more  useful.  Still,  my  young 
friend,  I  would  habitually  consult  them.  They 
are  written,  generally,  by  men  of  the  deepest 
and  most  fervent  piety,  who  have  not  taken 
those  superficial  views  of  church  communion, 
which,  among  many  denominations,  are  so 
prevalent.  Where  they  are  derived,  directly, 
from  the  clear  testimony  of  Scripture,  they 
will  save  you  much  trouble  in  collating  the 
passages,  which  apply  more  immediately  to  the 
subject  in  hand. 


142  ADVICE  TO  A 

After  all,  the  word  of  God  is  the  only  true 
standard :  and  to  one  who  is  familiar  with  the 
sacred  volume,  it  v/ill  not  be  an  irksome  task 
to  select  ihe  passages  which  he  deems  appli- 
cable to  the  work  of  self-examination.  For 
my  own  part,  I  have  ever  found  it  attended  with 
the  greatest  satisfaction,  to  go  directly  to  the 
fountain  head.  Take  the  Bible  in  your  hand, 
and  pore  over  it  with  an  intention  to  sift  youi 
evidences  of  Christian  character.  Accompany 
that  perusal,  with  fervent  applications  to  God 
for  light  and  knowledge ;  and  you  will  experi- 
ence a  degree  of  satisfaction,  which  no  other 
mode  can  afford. 

Esteem  the  sacramental  season  as  one  of 
your  most  precious  privileges.  It  is  then  that 
you  are  invited  to  sup  at  the  royal  banquet. 
You  have  a  place  at  the  King's  table,  and  it  be- 
comes you  to  array  the  soul  in  the  beauties  of 
holiness.  Were  you  invited  to  the  table  of 
some  earthly  monarch,  how  eagerly  would  you 
anticipate  the  honour;  and  what  solicitude 
would  you  feel,  that  your  apparel  might  be  ap- 
propriate, and  your  conduct  correct !  But  what 
is  this  honour,  compared  with  that  of  sitting  at 
the  table  of  your  Lord  ?  See  then  that  you  are 
adorned  with  the  wedding  garment.  Anticipate 


yOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  143 

an  audience  with  your  King,  ana  rush  not  into 
his  presence  with  the  carelessness  of  one  who 
goes  only  to  an  ordinary  meal. 

Nor  Avould  I  array  that  sacred  table  with  ter- 
rors to  your  mind.  I  am  convinced,  that  many 
throw  around  the  hallowed  elements,  a  dread 
solemnity,  which  makes  the  timid  and  faltering 
believer  feel,  that  if  he,  if  one  so  vile  as  Ae, 
should  touch  them,  he  would  eat  and  drink 
damnation  to  himself^  and  seal  forever  his 
hopelessness  and  his  ruin.  It  was  never  the 
intention  of  our  Lord,  to  hold  up  such  fearful 
views  of  this  feast  of  love.  There  is  every 
thing  about  it  that  is  inviting.  It  is  a  most  pa- 
thetic appeal  to  the  fearful  and  troubled  soul. 
It  woos,  in  silent  but  eloquent  terms,  the  weary 
nnd  heavy  laden,  to  come  and  find  rest.  It  is 
not  Sinai' — but  Calvary.  It  is  not  the  smoke, 
or  Ihe  lightning,  or  the  thunder — no,  weak 
and  mourning  believer,  it  is  the  uplifted  cross, 
and  the  expiring  victim,  whose  blood  speaks 
peace  from  every  vein.  Look  on  those  sig 
nificant,  simple  memorials — is  there  any  terro'j 
in  this  scene?  Is  it  not  all  peace,  and  love, 
and  mercy? 

The  sacrament  of  the  supper  is  a  memorial 
of  the  love  and  compassion  of  Christ,  a  lively 


144  ADVICE  TO  A 

emblem  of  his  sufferings  for  sin.  It  is  a  public 
acknowledgment  of  our  attachment  to  his  cause. 
Having  seriously  and  sincerely  examined  our- 
selves, and  finding  that  we  can  humbly  claim 
the  characteristics  of  the  true  disciple,  we  may 
come  to  this  feast  of  love,  and  commune  with 
our  Lord,  and  with  one  another,  in  a  composed 
and  humble  frame  of  mind.  If  our  greatest 
burden  is  sin,  and  our  only  ground  of  confi- 
dejice  is  the  Saviour,  we  have  nothing  to  fear, 
but  every  thing  to  hope,  from  this  delightful 
and  affecting  ordinance.  Much  of  the  profit 
of  partaking  of  this  sacrament,  you  will  recol- 
lect, depends  on  your  fidelity  in  the  work  of 
self-examination.  If  that  be  neglected,  you  have 
no  reason  to  look  for  a  blessing.  If  it  be  per- 
formed in  a  hurried  and  superficial  manner, 
you  need  not  expect  much  enjoyment  in  the 
ordinance.  God  will  be  glorified  in  them  that 
make  so  near  an  approach  to  the  mercy-seat. 

When  you  approach  the  table,  I  would  re- 
commend it  to  you,  to  simplify  your  views  as 
much  as  possible.  By  endeavouring  to  think  of 
many  things,  the  mind  becomes  confused. 
Having  lifted  your  soul  to  God  for  light  and 
feeling,  look  on  the  elements,  and  endeavour  to 
view  them  as  the  appropriate  memorials  of  your 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  146 

bleeding  Lord.  What  do  you  see  in  that  broken 
bread?  Is  it  not  the  emblem  of  the  mangled 
body  of  the  Lamb  of  God  ?  What  meaneth  that 
flowing  wine  ?  Is  it  not  the  emblem  of  his 
blood,  which  was  shed  for  the  remission  of 
sins?  And  wherefore  was  that  body  broken, 
and  that  blood  poured  forth?  O,  my  soul,  let 
thy  guilt  and  transgressions  answer.  Without 
the  shedding  of  that  blood,  there  had  been  no 
remission.  What,  then,  can  I  render  to  my 
Lord,  for  all  this  dying  love  ?  I  am  speechless 
in  gratitude.  Here,  blessed  Saviour,  I  give 
thee  all  I  have — this  broken,  contrite  heart. 
Take  it,  O  take  it  as  thine  own,  wash  it  in  thy 
blood,  and  seal  it  for  thyself, 

13 


116  ADVICE  TO  A  1 

LETTER   XXII. 

On  the  subject  of  prayer  and  habitual  self 
examination,  I  shall  add  no  more.  You  recol- 
lect, that  I  connected  with  these,  as  of  equal 
importance,  a  close  and  diligent  perusal  of  the 
scriptures.  I  shall  therefore  occupy  your  at- 
tention, for  a  short  time,  on  this  last  mentioned 
topic. 

The  importance  of  making  the  word  of  God 
a  devotional  study,  is  evident,  both  from  the 
testimony  of  that  word,  and  the  experience  of 
all  eminent  saints  who  have  ever  lived.  The 
more  I  study  the  sacred  volume,  the  more  deep- 
ly am  I  impressed  with  its  intrinsic  grandeur, 
and  its  high  importance  to  me  as  an  accounta- 
ble creature.  Were  I  banished  to  a  more  lonely 
rock,  than  that  inhabited  by  the  Corsican  exile, 
with  my  Bible  I  should  never  want  food  for  the 
soul,  nor  a  stimulant  to  the  understanding.  I 
am  astonished,  that  men  of  literature,  of  mere 
worldly  wisdom,  do  not  more  frequently  drink 
at  this  celestial  fountain.  Were  they  once  to 
sip  at  this  clear,  i)ure  stream,  they  could  not 
but  relish  it.  Such  a  relish,  however,  the  Spi- 
rit alone  can  give. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  117 

It  has  charms,  as  a  mere  literary  production, 
which  the  veriest  infidels  have  been  constrained 
to  acknowledge.  Prejudice,  not  long  since, 
had  shut  out  these  heavenly  stores  from  many 
highly  cultivated  minds.  The  Bible  was  so 
common  a  book,  and  was  so  frequently  found 
in  the  hands  of  the  poor  and  the  illiterate,  that 
those  who  claimed  to  be  learned  and  philoso- 
phic, took  the  liberty  to  despise  it,  and  thus  ex- 
cluded themselves  from  the  noblest  source  of 
mental  and  moral  refinement.  A  young  man,  of 
irreligious  character,  who  was  a  member  of  a 
respectable  college,  on  hearing  one  of  the  pro- 
fessors allude  to  the  beautiful  comparison  of 
our  Saviour,  when  enjoining  confidence  in  the 
providence  of  God,  "Consider  the  lilies  of  the 
field,  how  they  grow ;  they  toil  not  neither  do 
they  spin ;  and  yet  I  say  unto  you,  that  even 
Solomon,  in  all  his  glory,  was  not  arrayed  like 
one  of  these :" — turned  to  a  fellow-student, 
and  inquired  where  that  striking  and  elegant 
language  was  found.  On  learning  that  it  was 
found  in  the  Bible,  he  was  astonished.  Have 
you  never  read  your  Bible?  was  the  inquiry 
of  his  companion.  "  My  Shakspeare,"  said 
he,  "is  all  the  Bible  I  ever  read."     This,  I  ac- 


148  ADVICE  TO  A 

knowledge,  is  an  extreme  case ;  but  there  are 
many  analogous  to  it. 

Dr.  Franklin,  it  is  said,  was  once  in  tlie  com- 
pany of  several  ladies  of  the  English  nobility, 
when  the  conversation  turned  on  pastoral  po- 
etry, in  which  the  ladies  took  a  conspicuous 
part.  After  hearing  their  criticisms  on  various 
authors,  he  proposed  to  read  the  translation  of 
a  pastoral,  for  their  amusement.  He  read,  with 
a  few  verbal  alterations,  the  book  of  Ruth. 
They  were  enraptured  with  the  pastoral,  and 
pronounced  it  the  finest  they  had  ever  seen  in 
any  language.  The  doctor  then  gravely  told 
them  that  he  had  read  it  from  the  Bible.  Whe- 
ther these  ladies  were  professed  infidels,  or 
had  considered  the  scriptures  beneath  their 
notice,  I  am  unable  to  say.  I  cannot  even 
vouch  for  the  truth  of  the  anecdote.  I  am 
persuaded,  however,  that  an  occurrence  of  that 
nature  might  have  happened  daily,  at  a  time 
when  infidelity  was  in  vogue,  and  the  Bible  ri- 
diculed and  despised.  Even  in  our  day,  how 
little  attention  do  the  sacred  oracles  command! 

While  the  shelf  groans  with  elegant  litera- 
ture, and  the  mind  revels  amid  the  flowery 
fields  of  Johnson,  Addison,  and  Shakspeare, 
or  tne  later  and  more  fascinating  groves  of 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  149 

Sir  Walter  Scott;  the  sublimities  of  the  Penta- 
teuch and  the  Prophecies ;  the  tender,  touching, 
simple  narrations  of  Christ ;  the  sublime  de- 
votional strains  of  "  Israel's  king;"  the  wisdom 
of  the  widest  man  who  ever  lived;  are  regarded 
as  dry  and  uninteresting.  I  cannot  allow  that 
man  or  woman,  to  possess  even  a  cultivated  or 
discriminating  taste,  who  thus  judges.  I  have 
read  Homer  and  Milton ;  but  when  I  compare 
their  poetry  to  the  lofty  strains  of  David,  Ha 
bakkuk,  and  Isaiah,  it  is  the  flickering  light  of 
a  taper,  to  the  corruscations  of  a  thunder-cloud, 
or  to  the  full-orbed  splendours  of  a  noon-day 
sun.  I  have  read  the  pathetic  story  of  Sterne, 
on  the  incarcerated  criminal,  and  the  melting 
appeal  which  Sir  Walter  puts  into  the  mouth  of 
a  favourite  heroine,  when  pleading  in  the  royal 
presence  for  the  life  of  her  sister ;  but  they 
are  tame,  when  compared  with  the  struggling 
emotions  of  a  Joseph,  and  the  short  but  heart- 
rending plea  of  his  brother  Judah. 

But  this  comparison  might  be  extended  to 
the  various  departments  of  Bible  literature.  Its 
moral  precepts,  how  concise,  and  yet  ho^  com- 
prehensive? Its  narrations  seize  on  the  most 
prominent  and  striking  circumstances,  w  bout 
including  any  extraneous  or  unnecessary  mat- 
13* 


150  ADVICE  TO  A 

ter ;  and  throughout,  from  Genesis  to  Revela- 
tion, there  is  an  unearthly  something,  which 
stamps  it,  as  intelligence  from  the  skies.  Its 
analysis  of  character  is  wonderful.  There  is 
no  other  book  on  earth,  in  which  there  is  so 
accurate,  and  full,  and  clear  an  exhibition  of 
human  nature. 

But  why  am  I  lauding  the  Bible  as  a  literary 
composition,  to  one  who  views  this  as  its  least 
attractive  feature  ?  Why  have  I  digressed  from 
the  great  point,  of  urging  to  an  elevated  stand- 
ard of  piety  ?  Let  us  return,  and  view  it  as  the 
great  means  of  sanctification.  "  Sanctify  them 
through  thy  truth,"  said  our  blessed  Lord,  "  thy 
word  is  truth."  This  is  the  charm  which  so 
much  attracts  the  pious  heart.  That  heart  is 
not  insensible  to  the  elegance  of  scriptural  style, 
nor  indifferent  to  its  bold  and  beautiful  image- 
ry ;  but  these  are  not  the  principal  attractions. 
It  is  the  word  of  God.  It  convinces  of  sin. 
It  stimulates  to  duty.  It  rouses  from  sluggish- 
ness. It  warns  against  danger.  It  unfolds  the 
character  of  God.  It  reveals  the  way  of  sal 
vation.  It  delineates  the  providence  of  God.  It 
presents  the  Lamb  of  God  slain  for  our  trans- 
gressions. It  communicates  sweet  strains  OJ 
spiritual  devotion.  It  brings  into  view  a  bright 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  151 

and  eternal  reward.  It  discloses  the  wounds 
of  our  nature,  and  offers  the  healing  balm.  In 
short,  it  embodies  all  that  a  Christian,  in  this 
pilgrimage,  can  need.  It  is  his  only  chart 
through  this  tempestuous  life.  In  trouble,  it  is 
his  consolation ;  in  prosperity,  his  monitor ; 
in  difficulty,  his  guide.  Amid  the  darkness  of 
death,  and  while  descending  into  the  shadowy 
valley,  it  is  the  day-star  that  illuminates  his 
path,  makes  his  dying  eye  bright  with  hope, 
and  cheers  his  soul  with  the  prospect  of  im- 
mortal glory. 

Is  this  the  book  that  vain  and  foolish  minds 
undervalue  and  despise  ?  From  their  folly,  my 
young  friend,  learn  thou  a  lesson  of  wisdom. 
Let  your  language  be, 

*'  May  this  blest  volume  ever  lie 
Close  to  my  heart,  and  near  mine  eye ; 
Till  life's  last  hour  my  soul  cng-ag-e, 
And  be  my  chosen  heritage." 


152  ADVICE  TO  A 

LETTER  XXIII. 

I  WISH  you  never  to  forget,  that  the  attain- 
ment of  an  elevated  standard  of  piety,  is  inti- 
mately connected  with  an  assiduous  and  dili- 
gent perusal  of  the  scriptures.  It  is  customary 
to  recommend  to  the  young  Christian,  various 
authors  on  practical  piety.  Such  authors,  I 
cordially  unite  in  recommending ;  but  I  fear, 
that  the  youthful  Christian,  by  too  great  an  atten- 
tion to  desultory  reading,  has  sometimes  given 
less  attention  to  the  Bible,  than  its  paramount 
importance  demands. 

Christians,  in  recommending  such  books, 
have  taken  it  for  granted,  that  the  Bible  is  dili- 
gently and  closely  studied  ;  but  they  have  taken 
too  much  for  granted.  A  taste  for  religious 
novelties  has  been  excited,  and  the  precious 
word  has  at  length  become  comparatively  unin- 
teresting. If  any  book  of  mere  human  compo- 
sition, be  itft^er  so  instructive,  is  to  command 
more  of  our  interest  and  attention  than  the  Bi- 
ble, we  should,  like  Martyn,  throw  it  aside, 
and  reperuse  th«  sacred  voJume,  until  we  give 
it,  in  our  hearts,  its  legitimate  pr^ominence  and 
superiority. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  163 

When  young  Christians  become  devoted  to 
this  religious  literature,  the  Bible  is  very  apt  to 
be  neglected.  They  acquire  a  flippancy  in  dis- 
cussing the  superficial  parts  of  Christianity ; 
but  I  insist  upon  it,  that  they  do  not,  by  such 
reading,  form  a  sound,  consistent,  and  deeply 
spiritual  character.  Far  be  it  from  me  to  un- 
dervalue such  reading.  But  I  wish  to  impress 
upon  your  mind,  the  superiority  of  God's  word. 
Other  books  of  a  religious  character,  should  be 
considered  as  subordinate  to  the  Bible.  When 
they  throw  light  upon  the  sacred  volume ;  when 
they  drive  you  back  to  this  great  fountain  of 
truth ;  when  they  quicken  your  diligence  in 
studying  it,  and  serve  rather  as  hand-maids, 
than  as  rivals ;  they  may  be  perused  with  pro- 
priety and  with  profit.  But  if  you  find  that 
they  draw  away  your  interest  from  the  word 
of  God,  and  excite  a  taste  for  novelties,  you 
must  suspect  them  as  rivals,  and  immediately 
give  again  your  highest  affections  to  that  pre- 
cious book,  to  which  they  legitimately  belong. 

This  caution  is  the  more  needful,  because  the 
press,  at  the  present  day,  teems  with  periodi- 
cals and  works  of  fiction,  which,  bearing  a 
slightly  religious  aspect,  are  considered  as 
good  substitutes  for    similar  but   irreligious 


154  ADVICE  TO  A 

books ;  and  are  therefore  recommended  to  those 
whose  consciences  might  revolt  at  the  latter 
cast  of  productions.  This  furnishes  a  strong 
temptation  to  young  Christians.  1  warn  them 
against  it.  I  would  not  circumscribe  their  read- 
ing entirely  to  the  word  of  God.  I  \vould  be 
far  from  proscribing  any  merely  innocent  or 
instructive  book.  Let  them  drink  at  the  waters 
of  Helicon  and  Parnassus.  Let  them  be  ac- 
quainted with  poetry,  history,  and  even  many 
excellent  works  of  fiction  ;  but  I  would  guard 
against  making  this  reading  paramount  to  the 
Bible.  I  believe  there  never  can  be  an  exalted 
Christian  character,  where  the  Bible  is  not  made 
the  first,  and  the  best,  and  the  most  interesting 
of  books.  That  person  who  cannot  lay  aside 
any  volume,  however  interesting,  for  the  Bible, 
and  who  cannot  find  in  the  latter,  a  greater  re- 
lish than  in  the  former,  has  never  attained  to 
an  elevated  standard  of  piety. 

It  has  been  said,  that  every  thing  in  a  mi- 
nister's studies,  should  have  a  reference  to  the 
word  of  God.  Through  whatever  fields  of  sci- 
ence, or  of  literature,  he  may  rove,  he  should 
come  back  with  superior  relish  to  the  Bible. 
The  same  advice  should  be  given  to  the  young 
Christian.  In  the  varied  regions  of  philosophy 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  165 

and  taste,  he  is  permitted  to  rove ;  but  the  Bi- 
ble should  be  his  richest  banquet.  Make  it  a 
rule  always  to  prefer  it*  If  at  the  hours  of  de- 
votion, you  are  strongly  drawn  towards  some 
new  and  interesting  religious  publication ;  if 
you  are  tempted  to  omit,  for  this,  the  regular 
study  of  the  scriptures,  regard  it  as  a  tempta- 
tion, and  resist  it  accordingly.  You  recollect 
the  resolution  of  the  pious  Martyn,  to  which  I 
have  alluded.  He  never  would  allow  himself 
to  peruse  a  book  one  moment,  after  he  felt  it 
gaining  a  preference  to  Iiis  Bible.  As  long  as 
he  could  turn  to  his  Bible  with  a  superior  re- 
lish, so  long  he  would  continue  reading,  and 
no  longer.  Go  thou  and  do  likewise.  If  you 
commence  with  this  resolution,  you  will  find 
the  advantages  of  it  in  your  daily  experience. 
The  word  of  God  will  grow  constantly  in  your 
estimation,  and  you  will  be  ready  to  exclaim 
with  David,  "  O  how  I  love  thy  law ;  it  is 
sweeter  to  my  taste  than  honey,  and  the  honey- 
comb." 

My  own  experience  convinces  me,  that  the 
oftener  and  the  more  diligently  you  peruse  the 
scriptures,  tlie  more  beautiful  will  they  appear, 
and  the  less  relish  will  you  have  for  light  and 
superficial  reading.      There  is,  in  an  intimate 


156  ADVICE  TO  A 

acquaintance,  in  a  daily  conversation  with  the 
scriptures,  something  sanctifying,  something 
ennobling.  A  satisfaction  is  felt  in  perusing 
them,  which  no  human  composition  can  excite. 
You  feel  as  if  you  were  conversing  with  God 
and  angels.  You  breathe  a  heavenly  atmos- 
phere. The  soul  is  bathed  in  celestial  waters. 
It  imbibes  a  sweetness  and  a  composure,  which 
shed  over  it  unearthly  attractions. 

To  this  fountain  of  light  and  life,  let  us  then 
daily  resort.  Here  is  the  healing  influence. 
Here  is  the  pool  of  Bethesda.  Here  abounds 
consolation  for  the  afflicted.  Here  hope  dwells 
to  cheer  and  to  guide.  "  Bind  this  precious  vo- 
lume about  your  neck.  Write  it  on  the  tablets 
of  your  heart."  It  will  prove  your  shield  in 
conflict,  your  guide  in  perplexity,  your  solace 
in  adversity.  When  "  death  shall  be  swallowed 
up  in  victory,"  if  it  have  been  faithfully  studied 
in  this  life,  it  will  afford  themes  for  heavenly 
contemplation  through  eternity. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  157 

LETTER  XXIV. 

It  is  a  common  practice,  with  young  Chris- 
tians, to  confine  their  attention  to  certain  parts 
of  the  scriptures,  to  the  almost  entire  neglect 
of  the  rest.  They  select,  generally,  the  devo- 
tional and  preceptive  portions,  such  as  the 
Evangelists,  the  Psalms,  and  some  of  the  Epis- 
tles. This  circumstance,  while  it  favours  the 
evidence  of  their  being  Christians,  is  also  best 
calculated,  perhaps,  to  advance  their  growth  in 
grace.  In  this  early  stage  of  their  progress, 
they  cannot  be  expected  to  take  a  comprehen- 
sive view  of  scriptural  truth,  and  exhibit  a  ma- 
turity of  knowledge  on  doctrinal  theology.  But 
there  is  danger  that  this  practice  will  be  too 
long  continued.  If  so,  they  will  ever  be  chil- 
dren. They  cannot  grow  in  knowledge.  They 
will  be  feeding  on  milk,  when  they  ought  to 
receive  the  more  substantial  aliment. 

Permit  me,  therefore,  my  young  friend,  to 
caution  you  against  undervaluing  any  part  of 
the  inspired  volume.  While  I  would  rejoice 
in  the  fact  of  your  having,  at  first,  preferred 
those  scriptures  which  are  more  particularly 
14 


158  ADVlCtJ  to  A 

devotional,  I  must  exhort  you  to  go  oh  to  pet* 
fection.  "All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration 
of  God,"  and  all  is,  therefore,  profitable,  for 
the  attainment  of  that  perfect  standard,  at  which 
you  aim» 

In  these  remarksj  I  si)eak  from  personal  ex* 
perience^  My  attention,  for  a  long  time,  was 
confined  almost  exclusively  to  the  Psalms,  the 
Evangelists,  and  a  few  of  the  f.lainest  of  the 
Epistles.  These  I  perused  and  reperused,  un* 
til  much  of  them  was  committed  to  memory^ 
and  all  were  very  familiar.  I  do  not,  nor  shall 
I  ever,  regret  this.  But  my  mistake  was,  in 
supposing  that  the  historical  and  prophetical, 
and  some  of  the  doctrinal  parts  of  the  Bible, 
were  inapplicable  to  my  circumstances,  and 
therefore  had  little  claim  on  my  attention.  I 
fear  that  others  have  fallen  into  this  mistake* 
I  have  since  learned  that  those  very  scriptures, 
to  which  I  confined  my  attention,  were  greatly 
elucidated,  and  beautifully  explained,  by  other 
parts  of  the  Bible,  which  I  had  thought  too 
deep,  and  too  inapplicable  for  my  reading. 

The  word  of  God  is  one  magnificent  whole. 
There  is  a  symmetry  in  all  its  proportions,  and 
an  harmonious  admeasurement  in  all  its  parts* 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  159 

It  is  like  a  beautiful  edifice,  constructed  on  the 
finest  principles  of  architecture.  The  young 
Christian  may  be  compared  to  a  superficial  ob- 
server, who  is  enraptured  with  a  glance  of  the 
finely  turned  arches,  and  the  highly  finished 
columns  of  this  temple.  He  dwells  upon  these, 
as  the  principal  attractions.  The  more  advanced 
saint,  has  not  only  entered  the  vestibule,  but 
has  also  penetrated  the  interior  court.  He  has 
examined  carefully  the  foundation,  and  admired 
its  adamantine  structure.  He  has  surveyed  its 
halls,  and  its  galleries,  and  has  been  struck 
with  the  beauty  of  their  proportions.  He  has 
threaded  every  labyrinth,  and  ascertained  its 
direction  and  its  utility.  He  has  found  no  part 
defective ;  no  portion  superfluous.  As  his 
mind  sweeps  in  the  noble  pile  at  one  glance, 
he  exclaims,  how  magnificent !  how  grand ! 
how  worthy  of  the  architect ! 

"While,  therefore,  my  young  friend,  I  would 
encourage  you,  in  perusing  closely  those  parts 
of  the  Bible,  which  appear  most  adapted  to 
your  character  and  circumstances,  I  would,  at 
the  same  time,  caution  you  not  to  neglect  other 
important  parts  of  sacred  scripture.  As  I  be- 
fore observed,  by  reading  the  Bible  as  a  whole, 


160  ADVICE  TO  A 

you  will  perceive  much  more  clearly,  the  beauty 
of  your  favourite  passages.  The  true  method 
of  interpreting  scripture,  is  by  comparing  one 
part  with  another.  Had  I  received  and  attend- 
ed to  this  hint,  my  knowledge  of  scriptural 
truth  would,  I  am  persuaded,  have  been  much 
more  extensive  than  it  is  at  present.  1  have 
learned  from  happy,  though  late  experience, 
that  the  historical  books  of  the  Old  Testament, 
not  only  throw  light  on  all  the  subsequent  in- 
spired writings,  but  are  replete  with  most  ex- 
alted, and  devotional,  and  soul-transporting 
sentiments.  Since  I  began  to  study  the  scrip- 
tures in  course,  I  have  lingered  on  the  Penta- 
teuch, as  on  enchanted  ground.  The  types  and 
shadows  have  been  full  of  meaning.  In  all 
of  them,  Christ  and  Him  crucified,  appears 
conspicuous. 

I  am  convinced  of  the  utility  of  studying 
the  Bible  in  course  ;  and  I  can  assure  you  that 
my  former  desultory  practice,  of  opening  and 
reading  where  the  eye  chanced  to  fall,  was  far 
from  affording  equal  satisfaction.  I  note  for 
your  benefit,  the  circumstances  which  prevent- 
ed my  improvement  in  the  knowledge  of  God's 
word,  and  I  hope  that  you  will  carefully  avoid 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  161 

diem.  You  will  find  a  solid  satisfaction  in  stu- 
dying the  scriptures  according  to  the  mode  I 
recommend.  Consider  it  as  the  labour  of  life ; 
for  be  assured,  that  should  you  live  to  the  age 
of  four-score  years,  you  will  not  have  attained 
perfection  in  this  study.  But  why  should  I  call 
it  a  labour,  when  it  is  so  delightful  a  privilege? 
It  is  indeed  a  labour,  to  that  being  who  loves 
not  the  character,  and  who  yields  not  obedi- 
ence to  the  law  of  God.  But  is  it  a  labour  to 
that  mind  which  is  attuned,  by  the  Spirit's  influ- 
ence, to  the  beauties  of  celestial  truth  ?  Will 
not  the  soul  expand  under  the  developements 
of  God,  and  of  heavenly  things  ? 

As  we  learn  more  and  more  of  the  wisdom, 
the  goodness,  and  the  mercy  of  God,  we  shall 
the  more  ardently  desire  a  conformity  to  these 
divine  attributes.  It  is  thus  we  shall  grow  in 
grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  of  our 
Saviour.  In  the  visible  creation,  every  thing 
is  full  of  glory.  Every  thing  speaks  of  the 
wisdom  and  the  power  of  God,  and  invites  the 
soul  to  ascend  to  its  all-glorious  Creator.  But 
in  the  written  word,  we  have  God  speaking  to 
us  without  a  medium,  and  speaking  to  us  as  to 
his  children. 

14* 


162  ADVICE  TO  A 

Go,  then,  my  young  friend,  and  diligently 
listen  to  the  holy  oracles.  Search  the  scrip- 
tures. Peruse  them  systematically.  Make  them 
your  daily  and  nightly  companions.  And  may 
their  celestial  influence  be  so  infused  into  your 
soul,  that  you  shall  progressively  lose  the 
image  of  the  earthly,  and  assume  the  image  of 
the  heavenly  inhabitants. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  163 

LETTER  XXV. 

You  recollect,  my  young  friend,  that  when 
speaking  on  the  subject  of  prayer,  I  warned 
you  against  a  hurried  and  superficial  manner. 
I  would  repeat  the  same  caution  in  respect  to 
reading  the  word  of  God.  There  is  a  careless, 
superficial  attention  to  the  Bible,  which  is  nei- 
ther acceptable  to  God,  nor  profitable  to  the 
soul. 

We  should  ever  approach  that  sacred  book 
with  reverence.  Though  written  by  men,  re- 
member that  those  men  "  spake,  as  they  were 
moved  by  the  Holy  Spirit."  The  medium 
through  which  it  was  communicated,  detracts 
not  from  the  divinity  of  the  matter.  "When  we 
open  the  sacred  volume,  we  listen  to  the  voice 
of  God.  It  is  the  same  voice,  though  unac- 
companied by  those  terrific  circumstances, 
which  issued  from  that  awful  cloud  which  cur- 
tained the  summit  of  Sinai.  It  is  the  same 
voice  that  was  heard  in  such  piteous  lamenta- 
tions from  Calvary,  when  our  Immanuel  trode 
for  us  the  wine  press  of  the  wrath  of  God. 
Should  we  not,  therefore,  give  a  reverential  at- 
tention, when  Jehovah  speaks  ?     Should  not 


>X#i  .        AJDnCE  TO  A 

our  posture  be  that  of  the  deepest  humility  and 
awe? 

When  you  take  the  scriptures  in  hand,  it  ia 
well  to  let  such  a  reflection  pass  your  mind.  It 
is  profitable  to  pause  a  moment,  and  say  with- 
in yourself,  what  a  privilege  do  I  enjoy  in  the 
perusal  of  this  sacred  page  ?  Millions  of  my 
fellow-beings  are  shut  out  from  it.  They  have 
nothing  but  the  dim  and  flickering  light  of  na- 
ture. They  are,  therefore,  degraded  and  besot- 
ted by  ignorance  and  sensuality.  Whereas,  I 
am  favoured  with  the  clear  light  of  revelation. 
I  hold  in  my  hand  the  mind  and  will  of  God 
concerning  me.  Are  not  my  obligations,  there- 
fore, proportionably  great  ?  What  account  can 
I  give  at  the  judgment  day,  if  I  neglect  or  un- 
dervalue this  precious  volume?  "  O  Lord,  open 
thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  wondrous 
things  out  of  thy  law."  Unstop  mine  ear,  that 
I  may  listen,  and  dispose  my  heart  to  receive 
and  obey.  Spirit  of  light !  Inspirer  of  this 
heavenly  book !  be  present  to  dissipate  my 
darkness,  and  shed  over  my  soul  the  beams  of 
celestial  glory.  Let  me  not  fall  under  the  con- 
demnation of  that  wicked  servant,  who  knew 
his  master's  will,  but  refused  to  perform  it ; 
but  having,  by  thy  illuminating  influence,  a 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  165 

perfect  understanding  of  the  word,  may  I, 
through  thy  sanctifying  grace,  be  moulded  by 
it,  into  the  likeness  and  image  of  God. 

I  take  it  for  granted,  that  the  study  of  the 
Bible,  is  to  form  a  part  of  your  daily  devo- 
tions ;  and  it  is  upon  such  a  supposition,  that 
I  make  these  remarks.  Beware,  I  entreat  you, 
of  the  habit  of  glancing  over  different  parts  of 
the  Bible,  instead  of  perusing  it  in  course,  and 
with  close  and  diligent  attention.  The  latter 
mode,  accompanisd  with  the  blessing  of  God, 
will  form  an  elevated  Christian  character.  The 
former,  is  characteristic  of  the  worldly-minded 
and  superficial  professor.  Depend  upon  it,  the 
closer  attention  you  give  to  the  word,  the  more 
precious  and  interesting  wi31  it  become,  and 
the  more  rapidly  will  you  grow  in  knowledge 
and  holiness.  The  pious  David,  declared  that 
his  luve  for  the  word  of  God  was  so  ardent, 
that  it  was  his  meditation  day  and  night.  I 
meditate,  says  he,  on  all  thy  precepts.  I  muse 
on  the  work  of  thy  hands.  It  is  this  medita- 
tive spirit,  which  I  would  recommend,  when 
you  are  perusing  the  scriptures. 

The  celebrated  Dr.  Scott,  as  we  learn  from 
his  memoirs,  was  in  the  habit  of  reading  the 
Bible  on  his  knees.     Whenever  a  difficult  part 


166  ADVICE  TO  A 

of  divine  truth  came  under  consideration,  he 
would  lift  his  soul  to  God,  for  the  illuminating 
influence  of  the  vSpirit.  It  was  by  prayer  over 
the  word  of  God,  that  this  eminent  suint  formed 
a  character  that  will  stand  as  a  bright  example 
to  all  succeeding  Christians.  It  was  in  this 
way,  also,  that  he  arrived  at  such  a  perfect 
knowledge  of  the  scriptures,  and  was  enabled 
to  write  his  celebrated  commentary.  As  you 
will  need  some  helps  in  studying  the  Bible,  per- 
mit me  here  to  recommend  this  admirable  work. 
I  cannot  do  this  better,  than  by  copying  a 
brief  notice  trom  the  pen  of  a  clerical  friend. 
"I  have  never  met  with  a  commentator,  so  ad- 
mirably adapted  to  ordinary  use,  as  Dr.  Scott. 
As  an  interpreter,  he  is  clear,  sober,  and  judi- 
cious. He  never  so  dwells  upon  one  doctrine, 
as  to  keep  others  out  of  view,  (the  grand  defect 
of  many  expositors,)  but  gives  to  each  truth 
that  proportion  of  notice  which  its  relative  im- 
portance seems  to  demand.  The  great  doctrine 
of  justification  by  faith  alone,  the  very  hinge 
on  which  the  whole  gospel  turns,  and  its  all- 
pervading  principle.  Dr.  Scott  very  clearly  and 
fully  unfolds,  where  it  is  specially  treated  of  in 
holy  writ.  He  never  loses  sight  of  it  upon  any 
occasion,  and  uniformly  so  handles  it,  as  to 


YOtJNe   CHRtSTlAJf.  161^ 

beat  down  the  pride  of  the  pharisee  on  the  one 
hand,  and  expose  the  rottenness  of  the  antino* 
mian  on  the  other.  But  his  commentary  is  not 
simply  doctrinal ;  he  shows  all  the  varied  bear- 
ings of  the  truth  upon  the  inner  and  the  outer 
man.  In  a  word,  he  is  highly  experimental 
and  practical  throughout.  And  for  this  part  of 
his  work,  he  appears  peculiarly  competento 
Never,  perhapsj  were  displayed  in  any  unin^ 
spired  composition,  such  a  deep  insight  into 
the  natural  workings  of  the  human  heart,  and 
so  accurate  a  knowledge  of  the  exercises  of  a 
mind  renewed  by  divine  grace  ;  combined  with 
such  an  enlarged,  and  at  the  same  time  minute 
acquaintance  with  human  life,  under  every  va- 
riety of  circumstance.  To  write  this  work, 
demanded  such  observation  of  the  world,  united 
to  such  studious  habits,  as  could  very  rarely 
indeed  be  found  in  the  same  individual.  And 
the  Lord  seems  to  have  led  this  wonderful  man 
through  just  the  path  that  would  qualify  him 
to  compose  such  a  book." 

I  can  add  my  testimony  to  the  above.  Al- 
though I  had  frequently  heard  Dr.  Scott  under- 
valued, as  not  sufficiently  critical,  J  am  now 
convinced  that  he  has  been  wise  in  not  encum- 
bering his  work  with  useless  criticism,  which, 


168  ADVICE  TO  A 

while  it  might  have  pleased  the  few,  would  have 
been  a  great  disadvantage  to  the  many.  It  will 
be  found,  I  believe,  that  his  opinion  on  all  im- 
portant points,  is  the  correct  one.  He  is,  for 
general  use,  undoubtedly  the  best  commentator 
extant.  I  must  conclude,  therefore,  by  advi- 
sing you  to  commence  his  work  with  a  determi- 
nation, by  the  blessing  of  God,  to  finish  it.  Pro- 
spectively, it  may  appear  a  herculean  task ;  but 
be  assured,  it  is  not.  As  you  advance,  you 
will  find  each  succeeding  page,  more  and  more 
delightful. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN 


LETTER  XXVI. 


I  HOPE,  my  young  friend,  that  you  will  ac» 
quire  a  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  histori- 
cbI  scriptures.  They  are  intimately  connected 
witli  the  prophetical,  the  doctrinal,  and  the  pre- 
ceptive parts  of  the  Bible.  I  have,  at  times, 
been  made  to  blush  for  my  ignorance  of  some 
fact,  which  has  been  alluded  to,  as  a  part  of  Bi- 
ble history  and  especially  as  quoted  by  the  New 
Testament  writers;  not  because  I  neglected  the 
Bible,  but  because  I  confined  my  reading  to  a 
very  limited  portion  of  it. 

It  is  impossible  to  understand  the  prophecies, 
without  a  knowledge  of  the  sacred  history.  It 
is  equally  impossible,  without  this  knowledge, 
to  comprehend  the  beauty  and  force  of  the  gos 
pels  and  the  epistles.  The  more  thoroughly 
you  study  the  Old,  the  more  easily  will  you 
comprehend  the  meaning  and  beauty  of  the 
New  Testament.  If  you  will  become  intimately 
acquainted  with  the  book  of  Leviticus,  the  epis- 
tle to  the  Hebrews  will  possess  charms  which 
15 


VjfO  ADVICE  to  A 

you  .lad  never  attributed  to  it.  If  you  have 
discriminated  between  the  covenant  which  God 
made  with  Abraham,  and  that  which  He  formed 
with  the  people  of  Israel,  at  Sinai,  you  will  he 
prepared  to  estimate  the  force  of  the  Apostle's 
reasoning,  in  the  epistle  to  the  Galatians. 
There  is  scarcely  any  part  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment, which  has  not  some  connexion  with  the 
Old.  In  the  historical  books,  you  have  also 
an  exhibition  of  the  providence  of  God,  and 
many  bright  examples  of  patriarchal  Chris»- 
tianity.  You  cannot  fail,  therefore,  of  being 
amply  rewarded  by  a  diligent  perusal  of  the 
sacred  history. 

In  studying  the  doctrinal  parts  of  the  Bible^ 
you  will  require  much  patience  and  perseve^ 
ranee,  mingled  with  constant  plrayer  for  hea^ 
Venly  illumination.  There  is  reason  to  appre- 
hend, that  many  young  Christians  have  vague 
and  superficial  notions  of  the  doctrines,  whilst 
they  exhibit  much  of  the  true  temper  of  the 
gospel.  If,  however,  they  neglect  to  investi- 
gate and  understand  the  doctrines  of  scripture, 
they  will  be  in  danger  of  being  led  astray,  by 
the  seducing  influence  of  heresy.  Be  well 
grounded,  therefore,  in  the  fundamental  doc- 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  171 

trines  of  the  Bible.  In  making  up  your  opi- 
nion with  respect  to  any  doctrine,  avoid  a  rash 
and  hasty  conchision.  Be  deliberate,  and  you 
will  escape  the  imputation  of  "  being  carried 
about  with  every  wind  of  doctrine."  When  a 
truth,  which  you  have  thus  deliberately  embra- 
ced, is  called  in  question,  be  not  induced  by  the 
apparent  candour,  or  the  plausible  arguments 
of  your  opponent,  to  yield  your  opinion,  until 
you  have  given  it  a  thorough  investigation. 
You  may  still  be  right,  and  your  opponent 
wrong.  Be  not  rash  in  giving  up  your  opinion 
and  adopting  Ms.  This  caution  is  perhaps 
necessary  to  young  Christians,  who  cannot,  at 
their  age,  be  supposed  to  be  thoroughly  indoc- 
trinated. 

There  are  some  truths  which  you  have  re- 
ceived from  education.  I  would  advise  you  to 
re-examine  them,  by  the  word  of  God,  and  if 
they  correspond  therewith,  to  hold  them  fast, 
as  the  most  precious  legacy  which  your  pious 
parents  have  bequeathed.  It  will  be  insinuated, 
perhaps,  that  such  opinions  are  the  result  of 
education,  and  are  destitute  of  any  other  founda- 
tion. Be  cautious  in  admitting  this.  Search 
the  scriptures,  and  if  you  find  them  there,  hold 


172  ADVICE  TO  A 

them  fast,  as  a  "  form  of  sound  words.'  ll 
they  are  opposed  to  the  Bible,  abandon  them, 
however  dear,  or  sanctified  by  parental  affec- 
tion. But  in  yielding  such  opinions,  I  would 
still  say,  be  not  rash.  Investigate  closely  and 
candidly,  ere  you  let  them  go.  There  is  a  ten- 
derness of  conscience  in  young  Christians, 
which  Satan  sometimes  pushes  to  a  painful  and 
distressing  embarrassment.  This  is  as  much 
the  case  in  respect  to  belief,  as  to  external 
conduct. 

As  an  illustration  of  these  remarks,  there 
occurs  to  my  recollection,  the  case  of  a  youth, 
who,  on  making  a  public  profession  of  religion, 
joined,  as  a  matter  of  course,  the  church  in 
which  he  had  been  baptized,  and  to  Avhich  his 
parents  belonged.  For  a  short  time  all  went 
happily  with  him.  He  enjoyed  the  communion 
of  the  saints,  and  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel. 
The  scene,  however,  was  soon  changed.  His 
mind  was  thrown  into  great  distress,  by  the 
insinuations  of  one,  who,  by  his  bold  and  dog- 
matical mode  of  reasoning,  led  him  into  doubts 
on  a  particular  point  of  doctrine.  He  was 
deeply  perplexed  as  to  the  path  of  duty.  At 
one  time,  the  adversary  would  suggest  the  guilt 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  173 

of  remaining  a  day  longer  in  his  present  con- 
nexion. At  another,  he  would  insinuate  that 
he  had  made  a  false  profession,  and  therefore 
had  committed  the  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 
In  this  hour  of  anguish,  he  prayed  most  ear- 
nestly for  direction  The  thought  occurred  to 
him,  that  he  need  not  be  rash  in  altering  his 
views.  As  he  was  comparatively  a  child,  and 
had  much  to  learn,  God  would  not  be  dis- 
pleased, if  he  took  time  for  investigation.  This 
thought  gave  him  consolation,  and  he  set  about 
a  diligent  and  prayerful  examination  of  his 
Bible.  The  result  was,  a  conviction  of  the 
truth  as  he  had  held  it,  and  a  perfectly  settled 
state  of  mind  on  that  point,  even  to  the  present 
time. 

I  hope,  therefore,  my  young  friend,  that  in 
iTdking  up  your  doctrinal  opinions,  you  will 
Vddy  the  word  of  God  closely  and  prayer 
r.l^y^  Be  careful  not  to  rush  into  hasty  con- 
j\*  sions  from  isolated  passages  ;  but  take  a 
/  rmprehensive  view  of  the  connexion.  Look 
/.t  the  Bible  in  all  its  grand  and  magnificent 
proportions.  Be  thoroughly  indoctrinated, 
and  you  will  become  a  growing  and  stable 
Christian.  There  will  be  a  solidity  in  your 
15^ 


174  ADVICE  TO  A 

character,  which,  J  ike  a  foundation  that  is 
well  adjusted  to  the  superstructure,  will  be,  at 
once,  the  evidence,  both  of  permanency  and 
of  beauty. 


YOlTNG  CHRISTIAN.  l75 

LETTER  XXVII. 

I  WOULD  not,  my  young  friend,  have  you 
Audy  the  Bible  as  a  critic ;  but  as  a  Christian. 
You  should  endeavour  to  derive  some  spiritual 
nourishment  from  every  part  of  scripture.  In 
this,  Dr.  Scott's  commentary  is  admirably  cal- 
culated to  assist  you.  In  studying  the  histori- 
cal scriptures,  you  can  occasionally  pause  and 
meditate.  You  can  inquire,  whether  your  mind 
distinctly  comprehended  the  facts  recorded, 
and  their  practical  bearing.  In  this  way,  your 
memory  will  be  strengthened,  and  your  heart, 
I  trust,  often  affected. 

Before  I  leave  this  subject,  permit  me  to  say 
a  word  or  two,  on  the  spirit  Avith  which  you 
should  peruse  the  sacred  volume.  It  is  a  spirit 
of  implicit  faith,  and  child-like  docility.  There 
are  many  parts  of  scripture,  which,  after  the 
most  diligent  and  careful  investigation,  will 
still  appear,  to  shcrt-sighted  man,  almost  inex- 
plicable. There  are  many  doctrines  too  pro- 
found for  human  comprehension — many  mys- 
terious truths  relating  to  God,  to  angels,  and 
to  heaven.  God  has  given  to  man  a  revelation, 
which  embodies  the  august  truths  of  his  eter- 


176  ADVICE  TO  A 

nity,  and  of  his  infinite  attributes ;  which  brings 
into  view  a  spiritual  world,  and  throws  down 
upon  us  the  light  of  the  inconceivable  glory ; 
and  such  a  revelation  must  necessarily  contain 
things  to  us  mysterious  and  incomprehensible. 
It  necessarily  presents  certain  truths  to  be  re- 
ceived on  the  simple  testimony  of  God;  and 
this  is  faith.  Shall  I,  therefore,  in  perusing 
the  Bible,  reject  one  of  its  doctrines,  because 
it  is  less  intelligible  than  another?  Am  I  not 
bound  to  receive  even  incomprehensible  truths, 
if  I  find  them  there  recorded  ?  Having  settled 
the  fact,  that  the  Bible  is  inspired,  I  must  come- 
to  it,  as  to  an  infallible  oracle.  I  must  feel, 
with  the  apostle,  that  although  there  are  many 
things,  which,  in  consequence  of  my  infirmity, 
I  can  only  view  as  through  a  glass  darkly , 
yet,  if  I  am  a  Christian,  the  time  is  near,  when 
I  shall  see  them  as  clearly  as  I  can  behold  a 
friend  face  to  face.  Although  I  must  confess, 
that  there  are  many  deep  truths  which  now  I 
know  but  in  part,  yet  there  is  a  day  coming, 
when  I  shall  know  them  as  fully,  as  I  myself 
am  known.  Even  the  venerable  apostle,  ranks 
himself  but  as  a  child,  in  the  knowledge  of  di- 
vine things.     He  is  content  to  wait  until  that 


TOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  177 

knowledge  shall  be  expanded  among  the  bright 
intelligences  of  heaven. 

Were  your  father,  whom  you  so  much  love, 
an  astronomer,  conversant  with  the  motions  of 
the  heavenly  bodies ;  were  he  to  take  you, 
while  a  child,  to  his  observatory ;  point  you  to 
those  revolving  orbs ;  and  tell  you  that  he  had 
measured  their  distances,  and  calculated  their 
motions  :  would  you  believe  him  ?  O  yes  ;  he 
is  your  father,  who  would  not  deceive  you,  and 
you  are  his  confiding  child.  You  could  not 
comprehend  the  fact ;  but  you  would  believe 
your  father ;  you  would  have  no  doubt  of  his 
veracity.  Were  he  again  to  tell  you,  that, 
should  your  life  be  continued,  you  also  would, 
in  a  few  years,  be  able  to  make  these  sublime 
calculations ;  your  astonishment  w^ould  be  in- 
creased. Had  not  your  father  said  it,  you  could 
not  have  believed  it.  But  still  you  would  con- 
fide in  your  beloved  parent. 

This  is  precisely  the  spirit  which  you  must 
possess  in  studying  the  scriptures.  It  is  your 
Father  who  speaks.  Sometimes  he  speaks  of 
high  and  mysterious  things  ;  but  remember  that 
you  are  bound  to  confide  in  His  word.  When 
scepticism  woVild  harass  your  mind,  flee  to  the 
word  of  God,  and  subject  your  understanding 


178  ADVICE   10  A 

implicitly  to  its  dictates.  When  troubles  assail, 
betake  yourself,  instantly,  to  this  fountain  of 
consolation.  When  doubts  of  your  acceptance 
come  over  your  mind  like  a  dark  and  porten- 
tous cloud,  here,  in  this  blessed  volume,  is  the 
sun  of  righteousness  to  chase  away  the  cloud, 
and  restore  you  to  calmness  and  tranquillity. 

Whilst  there  is  a  spirit  abroad  that  would 
undervalue  the  plain  testimony  of  revelation, 
and  make  it,  like  the  heathen  oracles  of  old, 
speak  an  ambiguous  and  time-serving  language, 
be  it  your  resolution  to  cling  to  the  precious 
Bible,  and  to  love  even  its  most  self-denying 
and  soul-humbling  doctrines.  Be  not  ashamed 
of  those  views  of  truth,  which,  in  the  estima- 
tion of  vain  and  proud  man,  are  peculiar  only 
to  vulgar  minds.  The  Bible,  you  will  recol 
lect,  was  written  equally  for  the  vulgar  and  the 
refined.  The  poor  claim  it  as  their  most  pre- 
cious legacy.  What  though  there  be  in  it  some 
mysterious  and  inexplicable  doctrines ;  is  it 
not  the  part  of  faith,  to  sit  meekly  at  the  Sa- 
viour's feet,  and  receive  implicitly  the  words 
which  drop  from  his  lips  ? 

Compassed  about  as  we  are  w<ith  infirmities; 
dependent  as  we  are  for  the  least  ray  of  heaven- 
ly comfort ;  with  intellectual  pride  on  the  one 


YOttfG  CHRISTIAN.  179 

hand,  and  deep-rooted  and  sinful  prejudices  on 
the  other ;  now  wandering  from  God  and  duty, 
and  now  returning  disappointed  and  dejected  ; 
let  us  sink  into  the  deepest  self-abasement.  Let 
us  bow  with  the  spirit  of  children,  to  the  sim- 
ple truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  :  lei  us  implore  the 
Divine  Spirit  to  guide  us  through  this  benight- 
ed desert ;  and  let  us  look  forward  by  faith  to 
the  period  when  we  shall  emerge  from  our 
darkness^  into  unclouded  and  eternal  day 


180  ADVICE  TO  A 

LETTER    XXVIII. 

By  this  time,  my  young  friend,  yon  percei^  3 
that  religion  is  the  business  of  life  ;  a  momen- 
tous work,  which  will  task  every  faculty  to  the 
utmost.  To  make  a  profession  in  the  visible 
church,  is  one  thing ;  but  to  evince,  by  a  pro- 
gressive improvement  in  knowledge  and  holi- 
ness, our  connexion  with  the  church  invisible, 
is  another.  When  I  look  around  and  behold 
so  many  youth  gathered  within  the  church,  by 
the  sanctifying  influence  of  the  numerous  and 
powerful  revivals  of  religion,  my  soul  exults 
in  the  prospective  glories  of  our  Zion.  These, 
methinks,  are  the  generations  who  are  to  urge 
forward  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  who  may  be 
permitted  to  chant  the  jubilee  of  Millenial 
glory. 

I  am  anxious,  that  the  rising  generation  of 
Christians  should  assume  a  more  elevated 
standard  of  piety  and  action,  than  that  which 
has  characterized  their  predecessors  ;  and  that 
primitive  holiness,  and  magnanimity,  and  self- 
denial,  should  once  more  appear,  as  the  earnest 
and  pledge  of  that  glorious  consumm  ition, 
when  holiness  shall  be  inscribed,  even  (  n  the 


voUNG  CHRISTIAN.  181 

bells  of  the  horses.  I  confess,  however,  that 
I  hax-e  my  misgivings.  I  have  seen  some,  who 
but  lately  gave  auspicious  promise  of  this  high 
and  noble  character,  sinking  down  to  the  dead 
level  of  ordinary  professors,  taking  the  hue 
and  character  of  those  around  them,  and  ap- 
pearing contented  with  just  so  much  religion 
as  will  render  them  agreeable  to  all,  without 
incurring  the  censure  of  any.  How  unworthy 
of  a  oreat  and  noble  character  !  I  would  never 

D 

lay  my  hand  upon  the  sacred  covenant,  or  I 
would  lay  along  with  it  my  heart,  my  full,  free, 
undivided  heart. 

The  gospel  of  Christ  admits  of  no  compro- 
mise. It  demands  our  all.  If  it  required  less, 
it  would  be  unworthy  of  its  great  author  and 
finisher.  I  rejoice  that  it  requires  all.  This  is 
its  glory.  When  we  are  brought  to  yield  to 
its  claims,  and  give  up  all,  then,  and  not  till 
then,  will  it  throw  around  us  its  arms  of  mercy. 
And  what  is  our  all  ?  What  do  we  give,  when 
wc  give  our  all  ?  A  polluted  soul,  that  might 
justly  be  cast  into  hell ;  a  body,  the  miserable 
com.panion  of  that  soul,  and  groaning  under 
the  dire  effecLS  of  disobedience  and  guilt.  Our 
all  consists,  at  last,  in  nothing  more  than  a  pol- 
luted and  guilty  nature. 
10 


183  ADVICE  TO  A 

What  a  wonder  is  it,  that  God  will  accep 
such  an  offering !  What  a  miracle  of  mercy 
that  raises  us  up  from  our  pollution,  bathes  u 
in  the  laver  of  regeneration,  and  clothes  us  in 
the  white  linen  of  the  saints  !  And  do  we  talk 
about  self-denial  ?  do  we  say,  how  hard  to  give 
up  all  ?  I  am  ashamed  to  use  such  language  ; 
ashamed  to  hear  it  used.  What  did  Christ  give 
up  for  us  ?  Let  that  question  blot  out  "self- 
denial,"  from  the  Christian's  vocabulary.  When 
you  think  the  gospel  makes  severe  requisitions, 
by  requiring  all,  go  up  to  Mount  Calvary,  and 
weep  over  such  suggestions.  See  the  blood  of 
your  Immanuel  so  freely  gushing  from  a  heart 
that  never  exercised  towards  you  any  emotion 
but  love  ;  love  unspeakable — love  unsought — 
and  love  for  the  guilty.  Go  hide  your  head 
in  shame  and  penitence,  at  such  a  thought.  It 
is  a  glorious  privilege,  my  young  friend,  to 
give  up  all  to  Christ.  The  soul  that  feels  the 
constraining  influenc/j  of  his  love,  ^sks  not  how 
little  may  be  given,  consistently  with  obtaining 
the  heavenly  reward ;  asks  not  for  the  lowest 
standard  of  discipleship ;  it  burns  with  an  ar- 
dent desire  to  devote  all,  and  to  aim  at  perfect 
"conformity  to  his  death." 

It  is  melancholy,  to  behold  so  many  satisfied 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  183 

with  a  name  in  the  church,  and  a  seat  at  the 
sacramental  board.  This  appears  to  make  up 
the  sum  of  their  religion.  Others  go  one  step 
farther,  and  observe  some  decent  regard  to 
what  may  be  termed  the  experimental  part  ot 
religion  ;  but  aim  not  at  that  elevated  standard 
which  it  is  their  privilege  to  attain.  They  live 
in  doubt,  and  they  often  die  in  darkness.  They 
enjoy  neither  religious  consolations,  nor  the 
peace  Avhich  the  world  giveth.  All  this  is  in 
consequence  of  that  miserable,  half-way,  com- 
promising spirit,  which  seeks  to  perform  the 
service,  and  enjoy  the  approbation,  of  two 
masters. 

Let  me  entreat  you  to  make  a  noble  surren 
der  in  this  cause.  The  world  has  hitherto  been 
the  master,  and  you  must  acknowledge,  that 
you  have  rendered  a  full  and  faithful  service ; 
but  shall  you  yield  a  less  free  and  faithful  devo- 
tion to  Christ  ?  Which  is  the  more  worthy  of 
your  regard  ?  Which  has  the  greater  claims 
on  your  affections  ?  Which  offers  the  fullest  re- 
ward ?  Determine  by  the  grace  of  God,  that 
you  will  forsake  all  and  follow  Christ ;  do  not, 
like  Peter,  follow  him  afar  off,  but,  like  Mary, 
sit  at  his  feet ;  like  the  beloved  disciple,  rest 
upon  his  bosom. 


184  ADVICE  TO  A 

You  will  perceive  from  my  commmiication 
thus  far,  that  there  is  work  enough  to  do  ;  that 
there  is  some  struggling  for  the  prize  ;  that  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  is  to  be  taken  by  violence ; 
that  you  are  not  to  sit  down  and  idly  imagine 
that  now  you  have  joined  the  church,  there  re- 
maineth  no  more  for  you  to  do  ;  that  you  are 
to  be  carried  along,  as  it  were,  by  a  sort  of  in- 
visible influence  to  heaven,  without  any  extra- 
ordinary exertions  of  your  own.  Determine, 
that  if  others  act  on  the  principles  of  the  spi- 
ritual sluggard,  you  will  leave  them,  and  march 
forward  towards  the  elevation  of  Christian 
character,  which  the  Bible  plainly  marks  out 
as  your  duty  and  your  privilege.  Onward,  is 
the  daily  watchword  of  the  faithful  soldier  of 
the  cross.  He  sleeps  not  at  his  post.  He  hears 
the  first  note  of  alarm,  and  prepares  for  the 
conflict.  He  loves  his  king,  and  obedience  is 
a  pleasure,  rather  than  a  duty.  Many  a  bright 
example  still  shines  in  your  view.  A  Brainerd, 
a  Martyn,  a  Graham,  and  a  Newell,  have  lefl 
the  light  of  their  glorious  career  still  lingering 
on  earth.  Plant  your  feet  in  their  tracks,  and 
if  you  cannot  equal,  at  least  make  a  near  ap- 
proximation to  them.  Dread  the  thought  of 
being  any  thing  less  than  they  were  ;  and  re 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN  185 

member  that  it  is  possible  even  to   surpass 
them. 

O  may  you  aim  high,  in  contending  for  the 
prize  of  your  high  calling !  May  you  go  from 
strength  to  strength,  from  victory  to  victory, 
from  one  attainment  to  another,  until  you  shall 
stand,  a  glorious  example  on  earth ;  until  you 
shall  inherit  the  highest  rewards  of  the  blessed 
in  heaven ! 

16* 


186  ADVICE  TO  A 


LETTER  XXIX. 


The  duties  which  I  have  been  urging  ujion 
you,  as  important  in  forming  an  elevated  stand- 
ard of  piety,  are  those  especially  which  relate 
to  God,  and  your  own  soul.  Social  obligations, 
and  the  relative  duties  of  life,  I  have  not  con- 
sidered. They  are  not  first  in  importance. 
Besides,  if  you  give  heed  to  the  advice  which 
I  have  presented  in  these  sheets ;  if  you  per- 
severe in  the  path  which  I  have  marked  out; 
if  you  give  the  diligence  in  prayer,  in  self- 
examination,  and  the  study  of  the  Bible,  whicb 
I  have  urged  ;  you  will,  most  certainly,  not  be 
a  delinquent,  in  the  various  social  and  domes- 
tic duties  of  life. 

The  course  recommended,  if  faithfully  pur- 
sued, will  have  a  controlling  influence  upon 
your  intercourse  with  others.  It  will  put  every 
thing  in  its  proper  place,  and  give  every  duty 
its  legitimate  prominency  and  attention.  It 
will  make  you  the  obedient  child,  the  belovea 
sister,  the  diligent  scholar,  and  the  amiable 
and  intelligent  companion.     It  will  render  you 


YOUNG  CURISTIAX.  187 

in  every  respect,  lovely  and  interesting.  It  is 
under  tJiis  impression,  that  I  have  given  to  this 
subject  a  protracted  consideration,  and  that  I 
have  said  so  Hllle  about  your  general  deport- 
ment. I  have  endeavoured  first  to  erect  tlie 
.^olid  column;  the  Corintliian  capital  can  be 
easily  superadded. 

I  miu-ht  have  achled  somelliin<r  more,  on  the 
importance  of  Christian  biography,  as  a  means 
of  stimulating  the  young  Christian ;  hut  I  take 
it  for  granted,  that  you  are  already  familiar 
with  most  of  the  popular  works  of  that  kind, 
which  are  now  so  much  read,  and  so  justly  ad- 
mired. The  memoirs  of  Brainerd,  Pierce, 
Martyn,  and  Scott;  the  lives  of  Mrs.  Graham, 
Ramsay,  Newell,  and  Huntington,  cannot  he 
read  too  often,  nor  copied  too  closely.  You 
Avill  find  it  liighiy  useful,  in  your  daily  retire- 
ment, to  hold  converse  with  some  of  these  ex- 
alted saints.  It  will  furnish  a  humbling  view 
of  your  own  comparative  sluggislmess  ;  and 
arouse  you  to  emulate  their  noble  self-denial 
and  devotion.  Next  to  your  Bible,  may  they 
be  your  most  intimate  and  beloved  compa 
nions. 

But  ah  .  how  small  a  number  of  such  cha- 


J  88  ADVICE  TO  A 

racters  have  ever  lived  to  grace  this  fallen 
world!  "Like  angel  visiters,  they  have  been 
few  and  far  between."  They  have  shot  athwart 
our  world,  to  evidence  to  scoffers  and  infidels, 
the  genuine  beauty  of  Christianity,  and  to  ex- 
hibit for  the  imitation  of  their  brethren,  that 
high  and  noble  character  to  which  human  na- 
ture, degraded  as  it  is,  can,  by  the  spirit  and 
grace  of  God,  be  elevated.  When  I  read  of 
their  self-denial ;  their  entire  consecration  of 
all  to  the  service  of  Christ;  their  agonizing 
prayers,  which  were  offered  less  for  themselves 
than  for  the  perishing  souls  around  them;  their 
enlarged  benevolence,  which  was  satisfied  with 
nothing  short  of  blessing  a  world;  when  I  con- 
sider their  patience  in  sufl'ering;  their  cheer- 
fulness under  repeated  and  severe  afflictions; 
their  composure  and  triumph  in  death  ;  I  view 
them  as  possessing  a  character,  which  nought 
but  a  superhuman  power  can  confer ;  far, 
very  far,  transcending  the  brightest  models  of 
Grecian  or  of  Roman  virtue.  They  scarcely 
seem  to  belong  to  our  species ;  and,  if  fancy 
were  permitted  to  decide,  we  should  almosi 
say,  that  in  them  the  glory  and  brightness  of 
some  seraph  was  displayed. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  189 

But  still,  my  young  friend,  "  they  were  bone 
of  our  bone,  and  flesh  of  our  flesh."  They  pos- 
sessed, in  common  with  us,  the  same  sickly,  sin- 
ful nature.  They  made  no  pretensions  to  su- 
periority. Nay,  they  considered  their  own 
characters*  as  vile,  in  the  eyes  of  Him  who 
*' cannot  look  upon  sin."  If  they  possessed 
an  elevation  of  character  above  us,  they  seem- 
ed not  to  know  it.  They  were,  while  shining 
out  with  angel  virtue,  all  meekness  and  humi- 
lity. These  are  the  characters,  which,  though 
undervalued  by  the  world,  make  their  silent  pro- 
gress through  life,  indilferent  to  the  honours 
and  the  pleasures,  which  inferior  and  sordid 
minds  are  struggling  to  obtain.  These  are  the 
characters,  which,  while  they  v/alk  on  the 
earth,  converse  with  the  skies — hold  commu- 
nion— intimate,  deep,  delightful  communion, 
with  Heaven.  Their  souls  daily  disentangling 
themselves  from  the  bonds  of  sensuality,  sever- 
ing their  wV ling  aflections  from  the  dross  and 
corruption  of  earth,  rise  to  a  similitude  with 
God ;  and  ere  they  leave  their  earthly  abode, 
appear  to  imbibe  a  purity  and  a  perfection, 
which  are  a  sort  of  earnest  of  their  quick  tran- 
sition to  glory. 


190  ADVICE  TO  A 

But  my  pen  is  unable  to  render  a  just  tri- 
bute to  characters  so  bright  and  magnificent. 
The  simple  narrative  will  speak  a  stronger 
eulogy 

These  are  the  characters  which  I  wish  yon 
to  copy.  They  are  the  only  happy  characters. 
There  is  a  delightful,  and  yet  pitiable  contrast, 
between  them  and  that  cold-hearted,  half-de- 
voted, earthly-minded  race  of  professors,  who, 
I  verily  believe,  are  among  the  most  miserable 
beings  on  earth.  They  are  a  disgrace  to  the 
Christian  church  ;  a  standing  scandal  upon  re- 
ligion ;  a  grief  to  the  pious ;  a  laughing- 
stock to  the  world.  Over  their  worldly-mind- 
edness,  their  niggardly  charities,  their  hollow 
professions,  thousands  stumble  into  perdition. 
Avoid  this  character,  as  you  regard  the  peace 
of  your  own  soul,  the  prosperity  of  the  church, 
the  advancement  of  Christ's  Kingdom,  and 
your  final  salvation. 

Remember  that  there  is  a  day  coming,  when 
the  precious  will  be  separated  from  the  vile  ; 
when  the  master  shall  walk  through  the  Chris- 
tian church,  and  "shall  gather  the  wheat  into 
his  garner,  and  burn  up  the  chaff  with  un- 
quenchable fire."     Be  not,  my  young  friend, 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  191 

satisfied  with  grovelling  views,  or  low  attain- 
ments. Aim  high,  even  at  perfection ;  for 
you  know  that  a  greater  than  man  hath  sa'd, 
**be  ye  perfect,  as  your  Father  in  heaven  is 
perfect." 


192  ADVICE  TO  A 


CONCLUSION. 


4  CANNOT  believe,  my  young  friend,  that  the 
serious  cautions,  solemn  warnings,  and  earnest 
appeals,  which  I  have  made,  are  to  be  entirely 
lost.  I  flatter  myself,  that  when  the  hand 
which  penned,  and  the  heart  which  prompted 
them,  are  silent  in  the  grave ;  she,  for  whose 
instruction  they  were  given,  will  exhibit  all 
that  maturity  of  knowledge,  all  that  purity  of 
character,  all  that  holy  elevation  of  purpose 
and  of  action,  which  together  constitute  the 
fulness  of  Christian  perfection.  But  if,  after 
all,  you  should  make  a  compromise  with  the 
world,  and  be  willing  to  settle  down  upon  that 
low  and  unworthy  standard,  too  common 
among  our  churches ;  if  a  few  years  should 
find  you  foremost  in  pleasure  and  in  fashion, 
and  undistinguished  from  the  noisy,  vain,  and 
trilling  crowd  ;  methinks  your  conscience  will 
have  been  rapidly  seared,  and  your  heart  ijuick 
ly  steeled  to  a  sense  of  your  duty. 

But  I  am  persuaded  better  things  of  you, 
though  I  thus  speak.  Still,  I  know  more,  than 
you  can  at  present,  of  the  deceitfulness  of  the 
"heart,  the  subtle  insinuations  of  Satan,  and  the 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  193 

powerful  attractions  which  the  world  presents 
to  a  warm,  youthful  imagination.  Secluded  as 
you  now  are,  you  can  form  but  a  faint  concep- 
tion, of  the  power  of  worldly  seductions.  Per- 
haps you  are  ready  to  conclude,  that  your  heart 
is  impregnable  to  all  their  assaults.  This,  be 
assured,  is  a  great  mistake.  Think  not  that 
your  mountain  stands  strong.  If  you  indulge 
this  thought,  you  will  most  assuredly  fall ;  you 
will  be  obliged  to  weep  over  the  disgrace  which 
you  will  have  brought  upon  religion  ;  you  will, 
perhaps,  be  constrained  to  bewail  the  ruin  of 
some  soul,  who  may  have  been  emboldened  in 
sin,  through  your  carelessness  or  inadvertency. 
You  have  a  dangerous  road  to  travel.  You 
cannot  be  too  vigilant ;  you  cannot  offer  too 
many  prayers  for  guidance  and  protection. 
Your  armour  cannot  be  too  bright,  nor  your 
eye  too  circumspect. 

Remember  what  I  have  already  said,  that  de- 
clension begins  at  the  closet.  Watch  there, 
for  its  first  appearance.  There,  be  ready  to 
discover  and  to  correct  it.  Prayer  is  your 
strong  hold.  In  every  encounter  with  your 
adversaries,  draw  upon  the  strength  of  heaven. 
In  every  dark,  distressful  hour,  cast  an  eye  up- 
ward to  God.  When  the  world  displays  its 
17 


194  ADVICE  TO  A  *ii&*t> 

fascinations,  and  woos  you  away  to  its  arms, 
God,  and  God  alone,  is  the  "strength  of  your 
heart."  When  afflictions  come,  and  the  soul 
is  made  sad  and  desolate,  where  then  shall  you 
look,  but  to  Him  who  heareth  the  mourner's 
cry  ?  Prayer  has  ever  been  powerful  and  effi- 
cient. It  has  wiped  away  the  tear  of  the  peni- 
tent, and  lighted  up  the  gleam  of  hope.  It  has' 
broken  the  stout  sinews  of  rebellion,  and  trans- 
formed the  lion  to  the  lamb. 

In  the  work  of  self-examination,  be  close 
and  thorough  ;  be  habitual  and  persevering. 
Let  a  nice  discrimination  run  through  your  in- 
vestigations. Remember  your  aim.  It  is  high  ; 
it  is  the  elevated  character.  Deal  faithfully 
then  with  your  own  soul.  Arraign  it  at  a  diur- 
nal tribunal,  and  judge  it,  severely  judge  it, 
from  the  law  of  God.  Anticipate  the  great 
and  final  account.  It  will  then  not  burst  upon 
you  unprepared.  You  will  go  calmly  forward 
to  the  bar  of  God,  and  unhesitatingly  open 
your  bosom,  conscious  of  forgiveness,  to  his 
keen  inspection. 

Let  the  word  of  God  dwell  in  your  heart. 
Study  its  sacred  pages  with  prayerful  diligence, 
and  bow  to  its  doctrines  with  implicit  faith. 


YOUNG  CHRISTIAN.  195 

Be  it  the  man  of  your  counsel ;  the  guide  of 
your  beUef;  the  foundation  of  your  hope. 

In  short,  take  to  yourself  the  whole  armour 
of  God  ;  the  shield  of  faith,  by  wliich  you  may 
quench  the  fiery  darts  of  Satan ;  the  helmet 
of  salvation,  to  adorn  and  defend  your  head  ; 
the  breast-plate  of  righteousness,  to  cover  your 
bosom  from  the  shafts  of  calumny  or  of  envy  ; 
the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  whose  keen  edge  will 
make  you  resolute  and  fearless  in  the  attack, 
powerful  and  irresistible  in  the  defence.  TIuis 
arrayed,  look  upward,  and  press  onward.  God 
is  your  strength  ;  and  when  He  nerves  the 
arm,  though  it  be  the  arm  of  the  weakest  be- 
liever, that  arm  is  irresistible.  Lay  not  aside 
j^our  weapons,  while  one  foe  within  is  unsub- 
dued, or  one  enemy  without  unconquered. 
But  life  is  short.  The  time  is  at  hand,  when 
you  shall  have  a  full  and  free  discharge.  The 
crown  of  glory  glitters  in  prospect.  After  a  few 
more  days  of  fidelity  to  your  King,  that  crown 
shall  be  placed  upon  your  brow. 

When  death  comes,  he  will  prove  your  last 
enemy.  As  he  falls  b'"ieath  your  triumphant 
struggle,  you  shall  haw  the  notes  of  victory, 
bursting  from  ten  ti^OvX'*  \nd  angels  m  vour 
dying  ear.     Then  youi'  .\ork  is  doi^s.     Ihen 


19(5  ADVICE  TO  A  YOUNG  CHRISTIAN. 

your  warfare  is  over.  On  yonder  heavenly 
plains,  you  shall  receive  a  golden  harp,  and 
learn  celestial  music.  You  shall  sound  that 
name  by  which  you  conquered ;  and  in  your 
eternal  song,  chant  the  praise  of,  Him^  who 
sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  of  the  Lamb  for- 
ever. The  trials  of  life  will  be  remembered 
no  more,  or  if  remembered,  will  serve  as  new 
themes  of  praise  and  thanksgiving. 

What  a  consummation !  Who  would  not 
struggle  a  few  short  days,  to  inherit  so  rich  a 
reward — to  wear  forever  so  bright  a  diadem? 


